Moving to Long Beach in 2026: Cost of Living, Housing, and What to Know
Long Beach sits at the southern edge of Los Angeles County, offering a distinct identity that separates it from its sprawling neighbor to the north. With roughly 466,000 residents, this port city combines urban density with a waterfront lifestyle that draws newcomers from across California and beyond. The city has seen steady population growth among young professionals and remote workers who want LA proximity without LA prices. If you are considering a move to Long Beach in 2026, here is what you need to know before signing a lease or making an offer.
Cost of Living Overview
Long Beach is expensive by national standards but more affordable than most of coastal LA. Expect to pay a premium for the beach access, but your dollar stretches further here than in Santa Monica or Manhattan Beach.
| Category | Long Beach | National Average |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Cost of Living Index | 152 | 100 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,850/mo | $1,400/mo |
| Median Home Price | $785,000 | $420,000 |
| Groceries | 8% above average | Baseline |
| Utilities | $165/mo | $150/mo |
| Transportation | $135/mo (transit pass) | Varies |
California’s state income tax tops out at 13.3%, which is the highest in the country. Factor that into your take-home pay calculations before comparing salaries. Sales tax in Long Beach is about 10.25%, which adds up on larger purchases. Gasoline prices typically run $1.00 to $1.50 per gallon above the national average. If you are moving from a no-income-tax state like Texas or Florida, the combined tax burden is a genuine shock to your monthly budget. Use our mortgage payment estimator to estimate monthly payments if you are buying.
Housing Market
Long Beach’s housing market is competitive but not as ruthless as other coastal California cities. The median home price hovers around $785,000, which is a significant discount compared to neighboring areas like Seal Beach or Belmont Shore’s prime blocks.
Rental inventory skews toward apartments and duplexes. A one-bedroom averages $1,850, while two-bedrooms run $2,300 to $2,700 depending on the neighborhood. Studios near the beach start around $1,500.
Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers
Belmont Shore is the walkable, restaurant-heavy strip along 2nd Street. Expect higher rents but strong community feel. Bixby Knolls offers more space, tree-lined streets, and a growing food scene at lower prices. Alamitos Beach puts you close to downtown and the waterfront without Belmont Shore premiums. Wrigley and California Heights attract families with older craftsman homes and quieter blocks.
If you are a first-time buyer, read our first-time buyer resources before starting your search. For renters, check our renting resources for lease negotiation tips.
Job Market
Long Beach has a diversified economy anchored by the Port of Long Beach, the second-busiest container port in the Western Hemisphere. The port and related logistics operations employ tens of thousands directly and indirectly.
| Metric | Long Beach |
|---|---|
| Median Household Income | $72,800 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.1% |
| Top Industries | Port/Logistics, Healthcare, Aerospace, Education, Tourism |
| Major Employers | Port of Long Beach, Boeing, Molina Healthcare, CSULB, Long Beach Memorial |
Boeing’s C-17 program has wound down, but the company maintains a significant presence. Healthcare is growing with Molina Healthcare headquartered here and multiple hospital systems expanding. California State University, Long Beach (CSULB) is one of the largest employers and contributes to the city’s educated workforce.
Remote workers will appreciate the coworking spaces popping up downtown and the fiber internet availability in newer developments. The creative economy has been growing, with film production, digital media, and design firms establishing offices in the Arts District and along the Pine Avenue corridor. Long Beach also benefits from its proximity to the ports of LA and Long Beach, where trade compliance, freight forwarding, and supply chain management roles pay competitive salaries without requiring a commute into LA proper.
For those in healthcare, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center and Miller Children’s Hospital are among the largest employers, and nursing and allied health positions are consistently in demand. Education sector jobs at CSULB and Long Beach City College add stability. If you are comparing salaries across markets, check current affordability estimates based on your income.
Schools and Education
The Long Beach Unified School District serves about 70,000 students and has won national recognition for its college-readiness programs. The district consistently outperforms the LA Unified average on state assessments.
Standout schools include Wilson Classical High School, the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS), and the LBUSD International Elementary programs. There are also strong charter options and private schools scattered across the city.
CSULB anchors higher education, and Long Beach City College provides affordable community college pathways. The city has invested heavily in early childhood education, making it a reasonable choice for families with young children.
Transportation
Long Beach has better public transit than most Southern California cities. The Metro A Line (Blue Line) connects downtown Long Beach to downtown LA in about 55 minutes. Long Beach Transit operates a solid local bus network with the free Passport shuttle serving the waterfront and downtown areas.
That said, you will still want a car for most errands and commuting outside the immediate downtown core. The average commute time is 28 minutes. The 710, 405, and 22 freeways provide freeway access, though rush-hour congestion is a daily reality.
Biking infrastructure has expanded with protected lanes along the beach and several east-west corridors. Long Beach consistently ranks among the most bike-friendly cities in California.
Weather and Climate
This is Southern California, so the weather is a selling point. Expect mild, dry conditions for most of the year.
| Season | Temperature Range | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 60–72°F | Mild, occasional morning fog |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 68–84°F | Warm, dry, ocean breeze |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | 62–80°F | Santa Ana winds possible, warm |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 48–65°F | Mild rain, cool mornings |
Annual rainfall averages about 12 inches, concentrated between December and March. Heat waves occasionally push temperatures into the 90s, but coastal breezes keep Long Beach cooler than inland LA suburbs.
Things to Do
Long Beach punches above its weight for dining and culture. The city has over 30 craft breweries and a diverse restaurant scene reflecting its multicultural population. Cambodian food is a particular highlight, with Long Beach home to the largest Cambodian community outside Cambodia.
The Aquarium of the Pacific draws over 1.7 million visitors annually. The Queen Mary, permanently docked in the harbor, offers tours and events. Shoreline Village and the Pike Outlets provide waterfront shopping and entertainment.
Outdoor options include biking the 3.5-mile beach path, kayaking in Alamitos Bay, surfing at Bolsa Chica (a short drive), and exploring El Dorado Park’s 800 acres. The East Village Arts District hosts galleries, theaters, and regular art walks.
For weekend trips, you are within two hours of mountain hiking, desert camping, and wine country. The Long Beach Grand Prix, held annually on a street circuit through downtown, is a major event drawing thousands. The Belmont Shore Christmas Parade and Long Beach Pride are community traditions that showcase the city’s character. Browse our California state guide for more on the area.
Music venues like Alex’s Bar and the Prospector attract touring bands and local acts. The Long Beach Playhouse, one of the oldest community theaters in California, stages year-round productions. The Museum of Latin American Art (MOLAA) is the only museum in the US dedicated exclusively to contemporary Latin American and Latino art, reflecting the city’s diverse identity.
Pros and Cons of Moving to Long Beach
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Beach lifestyle at lower cost than west LA | Still expensive by national standards |
| Strong public transit for SoCal | Freeway congestion for car commuters |
| Diverse, walkable neighborhoods | Some areas have higher crime rates |
| Major port economy with steady jobs | Air quality concerns near the port |
| Excellent food and cultural scene | California taxes are high |
| Mild year-round weather | Earthquake risk (all of SoCal) |
FAQ
Is Long Beach cheaper than Los Angeles?
Generally yes. Housing costs run 15% to 25% lower than comparable neighborhoods in central and west LA. Rent for a one-bedroom averages $1,850 in Long Beach versus $2,200 or more in many LA neighborhoods. However, Long Beach is still significantly more expensive than the national average. Check our check your buying power to see what you can afford.
Do I need a car in Long Beach?
You can get by without one if you live and work downtown or along the Metro A Line corridor. For most residents, a car makes daily life significantly easier. Grocery runs, appointments outside downtown, and weekend trips all benefit from having personal transportation.
What are the safest neighborhoods in Long Beach?
Belmont Shore, Bixby Knolls, California Heights, and the traffic circle area consistently rank among the lowest-crime neighborhoods. Areas south of 7th Street and east of Redondo Avenue tend to be quieter residential blocks. Always visit a neighborhood at different times of day before committing to a lease or purchase.
How is the job market for tech workers?
Long Beach itself has a smaller tech sector than LA or Orange County, but its central location gives you access to both job markets within a 30 to 45-minute commute. Remote workers increasingly choose Long Beach for its lower cost and higher quality of life compared to tech-heavy areas like Santa Monica or Irvine.
What is the commute to downtown LA like?
By Metro A Line, expect 50 to 60 minutes door to door. Driving takes 35 to 75 minutes depending on traffic and time of day. The 710 freeway is the most direct route but is notorious for congestion during rush hours.
Is Long Beach good for families?
Yes. The school district has won national awards, parks are abundant, and neighborhoods like Bixby Knolls and California Heights offer suburban-feeling blocks within city limits. The waterfront and Aquarium of the Pacific give families plenty of weekend activities. Bixby Knolls has a dedicated kids’ programming scene with events like the annual Kidical Mass bike ride and First Fridays art walks that are family-friendly. Youth sports leagues are strong, particularly soccer and baseball. El Dorado Regional Park alone has a nature center, fishing lakes, and playgrounds spread across its 800 acres. The recreation value for families here competes with any suburb in Southern California, with the added benefit of cultural diversity and urban amenities. Read our home buying resources for family-friendly purchasing strategies.
Schools and Education in Long Beach
Long Beach has a mix of public and private school options. The main public school district serves most of the city, with ratings that vary by neighborhood. Families moving with school-age children should check specific school ratings on GreatSchools.org before choosing a neighborhood. Several charter and magnet school options exist for specialized education.
Higher education options include community colleges and state university campuses within commuting distance. For families, the proximity of good schools directly affects home values — neighborhoods zoned for top-rated schools typically command a 5-15% price premium. Check our buy a home for tips on evaluating school districts during your search.
Healthcare in Long Beach
Long Beach has multiple hospital systems and urgent care facilities. The major medical centers provide detailed care including emergency services, specialty clinics, and outpatient surgery centers. Health insurance premiums in California run roughly in line with the national average, though costs vary by plan and employer.
If you’re moving from out of state, verify that your current healthcare providers are in-network for California plans, or plan to switch providers after your move. The city also has a growing number of walk-in clinics and telehealth options for routine care.
Safety and Neighborhoods to Know
Like any city, Long Beach has safer areas and neighborhoods that need more caution. Overall crime rates vary significantly by ZIP code. The neighborhoods highlighted in our first-time buyer guide tend to be among the safer options. Local police departments publish crime maps online — check these before signing a lease or making an offer.
Gated communities and newer subdivisions generally have lower property crime rates. Downtown and entertainment districts may see higher incidents but are typically safe during daytime hours. Talk to residents in any neighborhood you’re considering — they’ll give you the most honest assessment of day-to-day safety.
Getting Settled: First 30 Days
After your move, prioritize these tasks in your first month: update your driver’s license and vehicle registration (most states require this within 30-90 days), register to vote, set up utilities and internet, find a primary care doctor, and explore your neighborhood on foot. Join local Facebook groups or Nextdoor for community recommendations on everything from restaurants to plumbers.
Use our local contractors to find vetted contractors for any move-in repairs, and run the numbers on your new mortgage payment with the calculate your mortgage payment. If you’re still renting while you look to buy, our affordability calculator will help you set a realistic budget based on Long Beach prices.