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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Santa Clarita

California
197

Long Beach is 14% cheaper than Santa Clarita.

$1,803/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,486/mo ↑ 38%
$83,969/yr ↓ 30%
Median Income
$119,926/yr ↑ 43%
$762,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$721,000 ↓ 5%
$1,890/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,649/mo ↑ 40%
458,491
Population
229,021

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
24.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Santa Clarita, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 197 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $683/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $8,196/year.

Median household income is $35,957/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $721,000 in Santa Clarita.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Santa Clarita — common questions

Is Long Beach or Santa Clarita cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Santa Clarita?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Santa Clarita it's $2,486/month — a difference of $683/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Santa Clarita?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $119,926 in Santa Clarita. Median household income is $35,957/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with rent of $2,486/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Santa Clarita details →

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