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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Santa Clara

California
307

Long Beach is 45% cheaper than Santa Clara.

$1,803/mo ↓ 40%
Median Rent
$2,985/mo ↑ 66%
$83,969/yr ↓ 52%
Median Income
$173,670/yr ↑ 107%
$762,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,527,900 ↑ 100%
$1,890/mo ↓ 38%
Owner Costs
$3,051/mo ↑ 61%
458,491
Population
129,239

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
20.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Santa Clara, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 307 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,182/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $14,184/year.

Median household income is $89,701/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $1,527,900 in Santa Clara.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Santa Clara — common questions

Is Long Beach or Santa Clara cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Santa Clara?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Santa Clara it's $2,985/month — a difference of $1,182/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Santa Clara?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $173,670 in Santa Clara. Median household income is $89,701/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Santa Clara?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with rent of $2,985/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Santa Clara details →

More Comparisons

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