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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Sacramento is 22% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,694/mo ↓ 6%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 6%
$83,753/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,969/yr ≈ Same
$484,600 ↓ 36%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 57%
$1,752/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 8%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $109/month cheaper in Sacramento, saving renters about $1,308/year.

Median household income is $216/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Sacramento or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Long Beach?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $109/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Long Beach?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $216/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 Sacramento or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.
View Sacramento details → View Long Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Sacramento and Long Beach

Sacramento vs. Tucson Sacramento vs. Kansas City Sacramento vs. Fresno Sacramento vs. Mesa Sacramento vs. Albuquerque Sacramento vs. Atlanta Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland