Cost of Living in Long Beach: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026
The cost of living in Long Beach scores 150 on the composite index, placing it 50% above the national average. For anyone considering a move to Long Beach, understanding what you will actually pay for housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare can make the difference between a comfortable life and a stretched budget. This guide breaks down real numbers across every major spending category so you can plan with confidence.
Cost of Living Overview
The table below compares Long Beach’s costs against the national baseline of 100. A score above 100 means that category costs more than the US average; below 100 means it costs less.
| Category | Long Beach | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Housing | 189 | 100 | +89% |
| Groceries | 110 | 100 | +10% |
| Utilities | 108 | 100 | +8% |
| Transportation | 128 | 100 | +28% |
| Healthcare | 106 | 100 | +6% |
| Miscellaneous | 112 | 100 | +12% |
Long Beach’s overall index of 150 reflects a city where residents pay meaningfully more than the typical American household. Housing is the primary driver, with the local index at 189 compared to the national baseline of 100.
Housing Costs
Housing is the single largest expense for most households, and Long Beach is no exception. Here is what the local market looks like:
- Median home price: $780,000
- Median rent (1-bedroom): $2,100/month
- Median rent (2-bedroom): $2,650/month
- Property tax rate: 0.76% (approximately $5,928/year on the median home)
At a median home price of $780,000, the price-to-income ratio in Long Beach is 11.6x — well above the 4-5x range most financial advisors consider sustainable. Many buyers in this market need dual incomes, substantial down payments, or both. Use our estimate your monthly payment to estimate monthly payments based on current rates, and see how much house you can afford for a personalized affordability check.
Renters spend approximately 37% of the median household income on a one-bedroom apartment. That exceeds the 30% guideline most budgeting experts recommend, making roommates or smaller units a common strategy. Check our renting guide for tips on finding the best deals.
Job Market and Income
Long Beach’s economy is shaped by shipping, aerospace, healthcare, oil, tourism. The city’s largest employers include Port of Long Beach, Boeing, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Epson, CSULB.
- Median household income: $67,300
- Unemployment rate: 5.0%
The unemployment rate of 5.0% runs above the national average of 3.9%, which can mean more competition for open positions. The median household income of $67,300 is close to the national median of $67,500.
If you are planning to buy a home, understanding your income relative to local prices is critical. Our buyer guide walks through the full process, and reviewing current mortgage rates will help you lock in the best financing.
Related: Cost of Living in Fresno: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026
Taxes
Taxes vary dramatically across states and cities, and they affect your take-home pay more than most people realize.
Related: Cost of Living in Sacramento: What You’ll Actually Pay in 2026
- State income tax: 1% to 13.3%
- Sales tax: 10.25%
- Effective property tax rate: 0.76%
California’s graduated income tax ranges from 1% to 13.3%, meaning higher earners pay a larger share. Compare how California stacks up against other states using our state tax comparison tool.
Property taxes at 0.76% translate to roughly $5,928 annually on the median-priced home. That falls near the national average of about 1.1%, keeping property tax costs in line with what homeowners pay in most parts of the country. For more on how taxes interact with your home purchase, see our California real estate page.
Transportation
Getting around Long Beach shapes both your daily routine and your monthly budget.
- Average commute time: 30 minutes
- Average gas price: $5/gallon
- Public transit: Available
Long Beach Transit runs bus and water taxi routes. Metro A Line light rail connects to downtown LA. Many residents commute to LA by car.
Gas prices in Long Beach average $5 per gallon, noticeably above the national average of $3. Access to public transit gives residents a viable alternative to driving, which can save hundreds per month in car-related expenses. If you are evaluating neighborhoods, consider how commute costs affect your total housing budget — our how much house you can afford tool accounts for these factors.
Is Long Beach Affordable?
Long Beach is expensive as part of the Los Angeles metro, though slightly less so than LA proper. Home prices near $780,000 and high gas costs define the financial challenge. The Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest in the country, anchors the economy alongside aerospace and healthcare. Compared to nearby LA and Orange County, Long Beach can feel like a relative value.
Whether Long Beach works for your budget depends on your income, industry, and lifestyle priorities. If you are actively exploring a move, start with our mortgage payment estimator to understand your buying power, browse mortgage options to find the right loan structure, and check find home professionals for trusted local providers. For a broader look at the California market, visit our California real estate hub.
Healthcare Costs in Long Beach
Healthcare costs in Long Beach generally track with the state average. A standard doctor’s office visit runs $150-300 without insurance. Monthly health insurance premiums for a mid-tier marketplace plan average $400-600 for an individual and $1,200-1,800 for a family in 2026. Emergency room visits average $1,500-3,000 for common issues.
Long Beach has multiple hospital systems and urgent care facilities. If you’re comparing cities, factor in both insurance premiums and out-of-pocket costs — a city with lower housing costs but higher healthcare expenses may not be the bargain it appears. Use our see how much you can buy to see how healthcare costs affect your total budget.
Education in Long Beach
Public school quality varies significantly by neighborhood in Long Beach. Check school ratings on GreatSchools.org for the specific area you’re considering — ratings range from 2/10 to 9/10 depending on the district. Private school tuition runs $8,000-15,000 per year for elementary and $12,000-25,000 for high school, though religious schools often charge less.
College costs also factor into the equation for families with older children. In-state tuition at public universities runs $8,000-14,000 per year, while community colleges offer the most affordable option at $3,000-6,000. For families, education quality often determines which neighborhood delivers the best value.
Neighborhood Cost Comparison
| Area | Median Rent (2BR) | Median Home Price | Cost Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown / Urban Core | $1,800-2,400 | $350,000-500,000 | $$$ |
| Inner Suburbs | $1,400-1,800 | $280,000-400,000 | $$ |
| Outer Suburbs | $1,200-1,600 | $220,000-320,000 | $$ |
| Exurbs / Commuter Towns | $1,000-1,400 | $180,000-280,000 | $ |
These ranges reflect 2026 averages. Actual prices vary significantly — some downtown condos are cheaper than suburban single-family homes, and vice versa. Browse our state guides for more detailed neighborhood breakdowns, and use the run the numbers to see what your monthly payment would be at different price points.
Bottom Line: Can You Afford Long Beach?
To live comfortably in Long Beach as a single person, plan on a gross income of at least $45,000-65,000 per year depending on housing choices. A family of four typically needs $75,000-110,000. These numbers assume spending no more than 30% of gross income on housing — the standard benchmark that lenders use for mortgage qualification.
If these numbers feel tight, consider the outer suburbs or nearby smaller cities where housing costs drop 20-30%. You can also improve affordability through first-time buyer programs that offer down payment assistance and below-market rates.
Monthly Budget Breakdown for Long Beach
Here is what a realistic monthly budget looks like for a single person renting in Long Beach in 2026. These figures are based on Long Beach’s cost-of-living index of 154 (national average = 100) and reflect actual market prices for housing, food, and transportation.
| Category | Single Person | Family of Four |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (1BR / 3BR) | $2,200 | $3,520 |
| Groceries | $690 | $1,518 |
| Utilities (electric, water, internet) | $310 | $434 |
| Transportation (car payment, gas, insurance) | $540 | $810 |
| Healthcare (insurance + out-of-pocket) | $380 | $950 |
| Entertainment and dining | $310 | $465 |
| Savings and emergency fund | $460 | $598 |
| Total Monthly | $4,890 | $8,295 |
| Annual (after tax) | $58,680 | $99,540 |
| Pre-tax salary needed | $81,500 | $138,250 |
These estimates assume renting rather than buying. If you are considering purchasing a home in Long Beach, the median home price of $790,000 translates to a monthly mortgage payment of approximately $4,740 at current rates (assuming 20% down and a 6.5% interest rate). Use our payment calculator for precise figures based on your down payment and credit profile.
Tips for Reducing Your Cost of Living in Long Beach
- Housing: Consider neighborhoods 15 to 20 minutes outside the city center where rents drop 15-25%. Check our rent-vs-buy calculation to determine whether purchasing makes more financial sense at your income level.
- Transportation: Public transit passes can save $150-$300 per month compared to car ownership. Carpooling and remote work reduce commuting costs significantly. Gas prices in Long Beach average above the national average.
- Groceries: Warehouse clubs (Costco, Sam’s Club) and discount grocers (Aldi, Lidl) save 20-30% compared to conventional supermarkets. Meal planning reduces food waste and spending.
- Taxes: Review California tax details and our compare state taxes to understand your effective tax burden.
- Insurance: Bundle home or renters insurance with auto insurance for discounts of 10-20%. Check our California insurance guide for provider comparisons and average premiums.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Long Beach?
A common benchmark is earning at least three times your monthly rent. In Long Beach, that translates to roughly $75,600 per year for a one-bedroom apartment. Homebuyers should target a household income of at least $195,000 to comfortably afford the median-priced home with a standard 20% down payment. Use our estimate your monthly payment for a precise estimate.
Is Long Beach more expensive than the national average?
Yes. Long Beach’s composite cost of living index is 150, which is 50% above the national average. Housing is the biggest factor, with the median home priced at $780,000 compared to the national median of approximately $412,000.
What are the biggest expenses in Long Beach?
Housing dominates the budget in Long Beach, as it does in most US cities. After housing, transportation (index: 128) and healthcare (index: 106) tend to be the next largest line items. Groceries and utilities are above the national average.
How does Long Beach’s housing market compare to nearby cities?
The median home price of $780,000 in Long Beach places it among the more expensive markets in California and the broader region. Buyers looking for lower prices often explore suburban communities or neighboring cities. Check our California real estate page for a full market overview and related articles.
Does California have a state income tax?
Yes. California’s state income tax rate is 1% to 13.3%. This affects take-home pay and should be factored into any cost-of-living comparison. Use our state tax comparison tool to see how California compares to other states on taxes, and review selling your home if you are considering relocating from another market.
What salary do I need to live comfortably in Long Beach?
A single person needs a pre-tax income of approximately $81,500 per year to cover basic expenses with some room for savings. A family of four should target $138,250 or more. These figures assume renting and maintaining a moderate standard of living without significant debt payments.
Is Long Beach more expensive than the national average?
Yes. Long Beach costs are 54% above the national average, driven primarily by housing costs. Compare with other cities using our tax comparison tool and explore all state guides for relocation research.