Is Seattle, WA cheaper than Long Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Seattle, WA is 0.8% cheaper than Long Beach, CA. The two cities have very similar living costs.

What salary do I need in Seattle, WA to live like I do in Long Beach, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Long Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $149,324.87 in Seattle, WA to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Long Beach, CA and Seattle, WA?

Housing in Seattle, WA is 2.7% cheaper than in Long Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,630/month in Seattle, WA compared to $2,895/month in Long Beach, CA.

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

Moving from Long Beach, CA to Seattle, WA could save you approximately $56 per month, or $675 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Long Beach, CA vs Seattle, WA: 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 save $56.26/month moving to Seattle, WA

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.3K in Seattle, WA

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.8%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$56.26

Savings

Annual Impact

$675

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

Seattle, WA

Population:749K

Cost Index:

(1% below avg)

Median Home:$808K

Long Beach, CA

The Golden State

467K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Seattle, WA

The Evergreen State

749K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Oceanic

Notable Facts

•Coffee culture birthplace
•Major tech center
•Pacific Northwest gateway

Major Industries

TechnologyAerospaceMaritime TradeCoffee Industry

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Long Beach, CA vs Seattle, WA

Category	Long Beach, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference	Change
Healthcare	$554/mo	$824/mo	↑ $270more	48.8%
Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,899/mo	↓ $260less	12.0%
Other	$1,731/mo	$1,975/mo	↑ $244more	14.1%
Housing	$7,749/mo	$7,536/mo	↓ $213less	2.7%
All Utilities	$557/mo	$481/mo	↓ $76.50less	13.7%
Groceries	$1,040/mo	$1,079/mo	↑ $38.97more	3.7%

Healthcare

↑ 48.8%

Long Beach, CA

$554

Seattle, WA

$824

Difference

$270

Transportation

↓ 12.0%

Long Beach, CA

$2,158

Seattle, WA

$1,899

Difference

$260

less

Other

↑ 14.1%

Long Beach, CA

$1,731

Seattle, WA

$1,975

Difference

$244

Housing

↓ 2.7%

Long Beach, CA

$7,749

Seattle, WA

$7,536

Difference

$213

less

All Utilities

↓ 13.7%

Long Beach, CA

$557

Seattle, WA

$481

Difference

$76.50

less

Groceries

↑ 3.7%

Long Beach, CA

$1,040

Seattle, WA

$1,079

Difference

$38.97

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,070

To$2,180

↑ $110

1 Bed

From$2,320

To$2,260

↓ $60.00

2 Bed

From$2,895

To$2,630

↓ $265

3 Bed

From$3,670

To$3,440

↓ $230

Long Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$2,720/mo

Seattle, WAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,900–$3,210/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

$13,794

Monthly in Seattle, WA

$4.38

Difference

Home Values

Long Beach

Seattle

$976K

Median Value

$808K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -2.5%

↑ +26.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.5%

$491K - $1.29M

Price Range

$433K - $1.34M

Homes in Seattle are 17% less expensive than Long Beach

Calculate payment - Long Beach Calculate payment - Seattle

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $10.6K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$886

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

7.1%

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

Seattle, WA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Washington State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Long Beach, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Seattle, WA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:9.2%

Property Tax:0.9%

💡 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.