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

Based on cost of living data, Long Beach, CA is 20.3% more expensive than San Diego, CA. This translates to spending an extra $1526 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in San Diego, CA, you'd need approximately $168,312.5 in Long Beach, CA to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Long Beach, CA is 48.4% more expensive than in San Diego, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,895/month in Long Beach, CA compared to $3,360/month in San Diego, CA.

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

Living in Long Beach, CA costs approximately $1526 more per month than San Diego, CA, or $18313 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

San Diego, CA vs Long Beach, 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 San Diego, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $1.5K/month more in Long Beach, CA

$150.0K in your current city equals $168.3K in Long Beach, CA

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA area

Overall Cost

↑ 20.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$1,526

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$18.3K

Per year

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

San Diego, CA

Population:1387K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$980K

Long Beach, CA

Population:467K

Cost Index:

120

(20% above avg)

Median Home:$976K

San Diego, CA

The Golden State

1.4M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Semi-arid Mediterranean

Notable Facts

•Year-round perfect weather
•Major military presence
•Biotech hub

Major Industries

MilitaryTechnologyTourismBiotechnology

Long Beach, CA

The Golden State

467K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Cost Breakdown by Category

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

Category	San Diego, CA	Long Beach, CA	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,223/mo	$7,749/mo	↑ $2,526more	48.4%
Transportation	$1,571/mo	$2,158/mo	↑ $587more	37.4%
Other	$1,892/mo	$1,731/mo	↓ $161less	8.5%
Healthcare	$638/mo	$554/mo	↓ $84.26less	13.2%
All Utilities	$634/mo	$557/mo	↓ $76.50less	12.1%
Groceries	$1,079/mo	$1,040/mo	↓ $38.97less	3.6%

Housing

↑ 48.4%

San Diego, CA

$5,223

Long Beach, CA

$7,749

Difference

$2,526

Transportation

↑ 37.4%

San Diego, CA

$1,571

Long Beach, CA

$2,158

Difference

$587

Other

↓ 8.5%

San Diego, CA

$1,892

Long Beach, CA

$1,731

Difference

$161

less

Healthcare

↓ 13.2%

San Diego, CA

$638

Long Beach, CA

$554

Difference

$84.26

less

All Utilities

↓ 12.1%

San Diego, CA

$634

Long Beach, CA

$557

Difference

$76.50

less

Groceries

↓ 3.6%

San Diego, CA

$1,079

Long Beach, CA

$1,040

Difference

$38.97

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,565

To$2,070

↓ $495

1 Bed

From$2,755

To$2,320

↓ $435

2 Bed

From$3,360

To$2,895

↓ $465

3 Bed

From$4,475

To$3,670

↓ $805

San Diego, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,980–$3,690/mo

Long Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$2,720/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.

$11,037

Monthly in San Diego, CA

$13,790

Monthly in Long Beach, CA

$2,753

Difference

Home Values

San Diego

Long Beach

$980K

Median Value

$976K

↓ -3%

YoY Change

↑ +0.5%

↑ +37.4%

5-Year Change

↑ +26.7%

$598K - $2.01M

Price Range

$491K - $1.29M

Calculate payment - San Diego Calculate payment - Long Beach

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

San Diego, 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

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

Additional Tax Information

San Diego, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Long Beach, 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.