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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Long Beach

California
169

San Jose is 50% more expensive than Long Beach.

$2,617/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↓ 31%
$141,565/yr ↑ 69%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↓ 41%
$1,187,800 ↑ 56%
Home Value
$762,200 ↓ 36%
$2,775/mo ↑ 47%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↓ 32%
990,054
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

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $814/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $9,768/year.

Median household income is $57,596/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Long Beach — common questions

Is San Jose 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 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Long Beach?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $814/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Long Beach?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $57,596/year higher in San Jose.
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 San Jose or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Long Beach details →

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