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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Richmond

California
161

Long Beach is 5% more expensive than Richmond.

$1,803/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 5%
$83,969/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↑ 7%
$762,200 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$650,100 ↓ 15%
$1,890/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 7%
458,491
Population
115,396

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
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $6,069/year higher in Richmond. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Richmond — common questions

Is Long Beach or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richmond is cheaper to live in with an index of 161 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Richmond?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Richmond?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $6,069/year higher in Richmond.
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 Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Richmond details →

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