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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Sunnyvale

California
341

Long Beach is 50% cheaper than Sunnyvale.

$1,803/mo ↓ 41%
Median Rent
$3,065/mo ↑ 70%
$83,969/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$181,862/yr ↑ 117%
$762,200 ↓ 58%
Home Value
$1,816,600 ↑ 138%
$1,890/mo ↓ 37%
Owner Costs
$3,016/mo ↑ 60%
458,491
Population
153,455

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
20.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Sunnyvale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 341 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,262/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $15,144/year.

Median household income is $97,893/year higher in Sunnyvale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $1,816,600 in Sunnyvale.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Sunnyvale — common questions

Is Long Beach or Sunnyvale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 341 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Sunnyvale?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Sunnyvale it's $3,065/month — a difference of $1,262/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Sunnyvale?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $181,862 in Sunnyvale. Median household income is $97,893/year higher in Sunnyvale.
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 Sunnyvale?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Sunnyvale has a cost index of 341 with rent of $3,065/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Sunnyvale details →

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