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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Los Angeles is 11% more expensive than Long Beach.

$1,879/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↓ 4%
$80,366/yr ↓ 4%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 4%
$879,500 ↑ 15%
Home Value
$762,200 ↓ 13%
$2,055/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↓ 8%
3,857,897
Population
458,491

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $76/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $912/year.

Median household income is $3,603/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Long Beach?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $76/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Long Beach?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $3,603/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Los Angeles or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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