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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Riverside

California
144

Long Beach is 25% more expensive than Riverside.

$1,803/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,812/mo ≈ Same
$83,969/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$88,575/yr ↑ 5%
$762,200 ↑ 41%
Home Value
$542,100 ↓ 29%
$1,890/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,880/mo ≈ Same
458,491
Population
316,241

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Riverside, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 144 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,606/year higher in Riverside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $542,100 in Riverside.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Riverside — common questions

Is Long Beach or Riverside cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Riverside is cheaper to live in with an index of 144 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Riverside?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Riverside it's $1,812/month — a difference of $9/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Riverside?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $88,575 in Riverside. Median household income is $4,606/year higher in Riverside.
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 Riverside?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Riverside has a cost index of 144 with rent of $1,812/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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