Skyline of Long Beach
Cost of Living: 142.5 466,742

Long Beach, CA, US

Port city with waterfront, diversity, and a more relaxed vibe than LA.

Updated July 6, 2026
Cost of Living 142.5

Very High vs US avg (100)

Housing Index 198.5

Very Expensive

Median Income $68,000

Household income

Unemployment 4.2%

Job market health

Long Beach vs US Average

Cost of Living
Long Beach: 142.5
US Avg: 100
Housing Index
Long Beach: 198.5
US Avg: 100
State Income Tax
Long Beach: 9.3%
US Avg: ~5%

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.3%
  • Sales Tax: 7.8%

Economy & Jobs

  • Median Income: $68,000
  • Unemployment: 4.2%
  • Population: 466,742

Climate

  • Sunny Days: 278/year
  • Summer High: 82°F
  • Winter Low: 46°F

Housing

  • Median Home: $720,000
  • 1BR Rent: $2100/mo

Cost of Living

Long Beach's cost of living index is 142.5 (US average = 100).

CategoryLong BeachNational AverageDifference
Overall142.5100+42.5%
Housing198.5100+98.5%

Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026

Housing Market

MetricValue
Median Home Price$720,000
Median Rent (1BR)$2100/mo
Median Rent (2BR)$2,625/mo
Price per Sq Ft$480

Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026

True Cost of Home Ownership

True Cost of Home Ownership

See what you'll really pay over 30 years

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$90,000 down
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Utilities

Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Long Beach:

UtilityEstimated Monthly CostNotes
Electricity$250Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage
Heating (Gas/Oil)$185Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric
Water$95Includes sewer
Internet (100+ Mbps)$60Broadband average
Garbage / Trash$35Private service
Total Utilities$625Monthly estimate (including heating)

Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow

Best Neighborhoods

Downtown Long Beach

The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $2,520/mo.

Long Beach Heights

Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $2,310/mo.

East Long Beach

Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,890/mo.

West Long Beach

Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,995/mo.

Remote Work Score

Long Beach scores 98/100 for remote work readiness:

  • Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
  • Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
  • Cost of Living: Fair
  • Climate: 278 year (Good)
  • Quality of Life: Fair

Climate

Long Beach has a varied climate with distinct seasons.

MonthAvg HighAvg LowRainfall
January66°F46°F2.5"
April67°F61°F2.8"
July82°F57°F1.5"
October62°F64°F2.2"

Taxes

  • State Income Tax: 9.3%
  • Sales Tax: 7.75%
  • Property Tax: ~0.75% of assessed value

Economy & Jobs

Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 4.2%.

Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Long Beach, CA, US?

The cost of living index in Long Beach is 142.5, which is Higher the US national average of 100.

How much does it cost to buy a home in Long Beach?

The median home price in Long Beach is $720,000. The housing index is 198.5.

What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?

The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Long Beach is approximately $2100/mo.

Does Long Beach, CA have income tax?

Long Beach is in CA, which has an income tax rate of 9.3%.

What is the climate like in Long Beach?

Long Beach enjoys approximately 278 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around <no value>°F,82°F, while winter lows can drop to around <no value>°F.46°F.

Data Sources

  • Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
  • Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
  • Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024

Data last updated: July 6, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.