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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Orange

California
206

Long Beach is 18% cheaper than Orange.

$1,803/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,252/mo ↑ 25%
$83,969/yr ↓ 28%
Median Income
$116,945/yr ↑ 39%
$762,200 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$900,700 ↑ 18%
$1,890/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$2,394/mo ↑ 27%
458,491
Population
138,723

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
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Orange, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 206 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $449/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $5,388/year.

Median household income is $32,976/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $900,700 in Orange.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Orange — common questions

Is Long Beach or Orange cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Orange?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Orange it's $2,252/month — a difference of $449/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Orange?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $116,945 in Orange. Median household income is $32,976/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Orange has a cost index of 206 with rent of $2,252/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Orange details →

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