Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Modesto, CA (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Modesto

California
120

Long Beach is 41% more expensive than Modesto.

$1,803/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,609/mo ↓ 11%
$83,969/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$77,899/yr ↓ 7%
$762,200 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$415,600 ↓ 45%
$1,890/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,613/mo ↓ 15%
458,491
Population
218,614

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Modesto, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $194/month cheaper in Modesto, saving renters about $2,328/year.

Median household income is $6,070/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $415,600 in Modesto.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Modesto — common questions

Is Long Beach or Modesto cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Modesto?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Modesto it's $1,609/month — a difference of $194/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Modesto?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $77,899 in Modesto. Median household income is $6,070/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Modesto?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Modesto has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,609/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Modesto details →

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