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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Oakland

California
195

Long Beach is 13% cheaper than Oakland.

$1,803/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 6%
$83,969/yr ↓ 14%
Median Income
$97,369/yr ↑ 16%
$762,200 ↓ 18%
Home Value
$924,700 ↑ 21%
$1,890/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,164/mo ↑ 14%
458,491
Population
438,072

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
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Oakland, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $114/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,368/year.

Median household income is $13,400/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $924,700 in Oakland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Oakland — common questions

Is Long Beach or Oakland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Oakland?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Oakland it's $1,917/month — a difference of $114/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Oakland?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $97,369 in Oakland. Median household income is $13,400/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Oakland has a cost index of 195 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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