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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Torrance

California
218

Long Beach is 22% cheaper than Torrance.

$1,803/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$2,214/mo ↑ 23%
$83,969/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,105/yr ↑ 35%
$762,200 ↓ 26%
Home Value
$1,036,600 ↑ 36%
$1,890/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$2,295/mo ↑ 21%
458,491
Population
143,499

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
23.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Torrance, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 218 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $411/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $4,932/year.

Median household income is $29,136/year higher in Torrance. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $1,036,600 in Torrance.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Torrance — common questions

Is Long Beach or Torrance cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 218 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Torrance?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Torrance it's $2,214/month — a difference of $411/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Torrance?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $113,105 in Torrance. Median household income is $29,136/year higher in Torrance.
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 Torrance?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Torrance has a cost index of 218 with rent of $2,214/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Torrance details →

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