Is San Francisco, CA cheaper than Long Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, San Francisco, CA is 13.7% more expensive than Long Beach, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1026 per month.

What salary do I need in San Francisco, CA to live like I do in Long Beach, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Long Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $162,308.136 in San Francisco, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Long Beach, CA and San Francisco, CA?

Housing in San Francisco, CA is 26.1% more expensive than in Long Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $3,570/month in San Francisco, CA compared to $2,895/month in Long Beach, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Long Beach, CA to San Francisco, CA?

Living in San Francisco, CA costs approximately $1026 more per month than Long Beach, CA, or $12308 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Long Beach, CA vs San Francisco, CA: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Long Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.0K/month more in San Francisco, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $162.3K in San Francisco, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 13.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,026

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$12.3K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Long Beach, CA

Population:467K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$976K

San Francisco, CA

Population:874K

Cost Index:

114

(14% above avg)

Median Home:$1.25M

Long Beach, CA

The Golden State

467K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 467K residents.

San Francisco, CA

The Golden State

874K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Global technology hub
•Historic cable cars
•Major startup ecosystem

Major Industries

TechnologyFinanceTourismBiotechnology

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Long Beach, CA vs San Francisco, CA

Category	Long Beach, CA	San Francisco, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$7,749/mo	$9,771/mo	↑ $2,022more	26.1%
Healthcare	$554/mo	$706/mo	↑ $152more	27.5%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,875/mo	↑ $144more	8.3%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,159/mo	↑ $119more	11.4%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$448/mo	↓ $109less	19.6%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$2,158/mo	→ $0	0.0%

Housing

↑ 26.1%

Long Beach, CA

$7,749

San Francisco, CA

$9,771

Difference

$2,022

Healthcare

↑ 27.5%

Long Beach, CA

$554

San Francisco, CA

$706

Difference

$152

Other

↑ 8.3%

Long Beach, CA

$1,731

San Francisco, CA

$1,875

Difference

$144

Groceries

↑ 11.4%

Long Beach, CA

$1,040

San Francisco, CA

$1,159

Difference

$119

All Utilities

↓ 19.6%

Long Beach, CA

$557

San Francisco, CA

$448

Difference

$109

less

Transportation

→ 0.0%

Long Beach, CA

$2,158

San Francisco, CA

$2,158

Difference

same

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,070

To$2,460

↑ $390

1 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,950

↑ $630

2 Bed

From$2,895

To$3,570

↑ $675

3 Bed

From$3,670

To$4,560

↑ $890

Long Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$2,720/mo

San Francisco, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $2,510–$3,910/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,790

Monthly in Long Beach, CA

$16,118

Monthly in San Francisco, CA

$2,328

Difference

Home Values

Long Beach

San Francisco

$976K

Median Value

$1.25M

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↑ +3.7%

↑ +26.7%

5-Year Change

↓ -7.5%

$491K - $1.29M

Price Range

$693K - $2.12M

Homes in San Francisco are 28% more expensive than Long Beach

Calculate payment - Long Beach Calculate payment - San Francisco

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

Long Beach, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

San Francisco, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Additional Tax Information

Long Beach, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

San Francisco, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.