What Is the Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA? [2025]

Located just over 20 miles south of downtown Los Angeles, it’s not a surprise that Long Beach life comes at a price: 61.7% higher than the national average, to be precise.

As the seventh-largest city in California, it’s one of the most distinctive coastal communities in the state. Nicknamed “the Beach,” the city offers a mix of Pacific Ocean views, a thriving dining and arts scene, and plenty of outdoor recreation.

While famous as a shipping hub, Long Beach is far more than just a port city. With its diverse culture, walkable neighborhoods, and mild year-round climate, many people find it feels more like a laid-back beach town than part of bustling Los Angeles County. So whether you’re drawn by the coastal lifestyle, the mild West Coast weather, or its dynamic job market, it’s important to understand the cost of living in Long Beach so you can plan your move with ease.

Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA

What Is the Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA?

According to Sperling’s BestPlaces, the cost of living in Long Beach is 61.7% higher than the national average. At 154% higher than the national average, housing is the most expensive category.

A single adult without children spends an average of $5,867 a month to live in Long Beach, which is relatively affordable compared to nearby cities like San Diego and Los Angeles, where average rents are noticeably higher. Let's see how that breaks down by spending category.

Compared to San Diego, a larger city with a similar beach-town feel, Long Beach is more affordable across major expenses like groceries, healthcare, housing, and utilities. Here’s how they compare against each other.

How Much Is Rent in Long Beach, CA?

Long Beach’s coastal location and proximity to Los Angeles make it very attractive to renters. In Long Beach, one-bedroom apartments rent for around $2,786, and two-bedrooms run closer to $3,559.

How Much Is a One-Bedroom Apartment in Long Beach, CA?

If you’re considering a move to Long Beach, expect to pay around $2,786 for a one-bedroom apartment. That’s more expensive than the national average of $1,757 and the Los Angeles average of $2,596. Hot spots like Downtown Long Beach and Belmont Heights drive up prices thanks to walkable streets, nightlife, and proximity to the waterfront.

How Much Is a Two-Bedroom Apartment in Long Beach, CA?

A two-bedroom in Long Beach averages $3,559, significantly above the national average of $2,194, and only slightly lower than Los Angeles at $3,975. Renters looking for a bit more space often look to Eastside or Central Long Beach, where prices are lower but you still get easy access to the beach and city amenities.

While smaller apartments command a coastal premium, Long Beach still offers relative affordability compared to Los Angeles as a whole, making it attractive for renters who want beach access and urban amenities without fully committing to LA prices.

Below is a look at how rent prices in Long Beach compare with those in other California cities and with the average rent in the U.S.

If you’re still exploring Long Beach and unsure which neighborhood fits your lifestyle best, a month-to-month lease can give you flexibility before locking into a 12-month commitment. This is especially helpful since rents vary widely between areas like Downtown, Belmont Heights, and Bixby Knolls.

If it's your first time renting or if you don't have a high credit score, consider no-credit-check apartments. And if you prefer renting from the owner rather than a property manager, consider a for-rent-by-owner apartment.

How Much Are Housing Costs in Long Beach, CA?

With a mix of vintage art deco apartments, beach bungalows, and new luxury complexes, the Long Beach housing market has seen steady, significant growth, with median home prices at $739,900. Compared to other major cities across the state, these prices are reasonable, especially given the median price index of San Francisco at $1.2 million, Los Angeles at $912,500, and Irvine at $1.1 million.

Highest Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA

Little Italy has the highest cost of living. Here, the average rent for a studio apartment is $2,181 a month, and the average rent for a two-bedroom apartment is $3,202.

Lowest Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA

On the opposite end of the spectrum, you have Park Estates, where the average one-bedroom apartment rent goes for $1,540 a month.

What Salary Do I Need to Live in Long Beach, CA?

With a cost of living in Long Beach noticeably above the national average, using the 30% rule will help you budget realistically for your monthly rent and expenses.

• For an average-priced one-bedroom apartment in Long Beach at $2,786 per month, your annual salary should be around $111,440 per year or higher.
• For an average-priced two-bedroom apartment in Long Beach at $3,559 per month, your annual salary should be around $142,360.

While overall rents in Long Beach are lower than in Los Angeles, the higher costs for one- and two-bedroom units mean many renters still need close to a six-figure salary to live comfortably. Choosing more affordable neighborhoods, such as North Long Beach or Central Long Beach, can help stretch your budget.

Thankfully, the typical annual salaries in Long Beach are highly competitive. For example, the three highest typical salaries are in legal, management, and computer and mathematical occupations.

How Much Are Utilities in Long Beach, CA?

Overall, Los Angeles County prices are around the same as the national average. LA's basic utilities include electricity, heating, cooling, water, and garbage, running $226.51 for a 915-square-foot apartment (compared to the national average of $225.58). Adding internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data) will increase the total monthly utility cost by $59.75, bringing the average monthly cost to $286.26.

Here’s how utilities in the Los Angeles County area compare to other metro hubs in California.

Since the winters and summers are relatively mild, you can save a bit on your monthly heating and cooling bills. August is the hottest month with an average daytime high of 82 degrees Fahrenheit, and winters in Long Beach are partly cloudy and cool. The coldest days fall in December, with an average overnight temperature rarely dropping below 49 F.

How Much Is Transportation in Long Beach, CA?

Like much of Southern California, many residents rely heavily on cars. Single adults without children will spend an average of $9,798 annually for car-based transportation. However, you will pay $16,436 for transportation annually if you are a family of four, including two working adults and two children.

While most people drive, Long Beach has some public transportation:

• Long Beach Transit (LBT): Runs throughout the city and connects to nearby areas like Lakewood, Seal Beach, and downtown Los Angeles, with a $1.25 fare each way or a $65 monthly pass.
• Passport Shuttle: Low-cost shuttle serving Downtown Long Beach, the waterfront, Aquarium of the Pacific, and Queen Mary.
• Aqualink: Operating during the summer months, residents can take advantage of the water taxis serving Alamitos Bay Landing and the Queen Mary.

To get around Long Beach and enjoy the city and state to its fullest, it’s best to drive so you can explore more freely and make the most out of living in Long Beach.

How Much Are Food Costs in Long Beach, CA?

Being in California, there’s no shortage of good food and fresh produce. Expect to pay at least $4,458 per year for food as a single adult without children, or around $13,068 per year if you have a family of two working adults and two children. Dining out in Long Beach isn’t cheap, so expect to pay around $20 per person for a meal at an inexpensive restaurant and $80 before tip for a three-course meal for two.

You can expect to pay just above the national average for food items at local grocery stores like Stater Bros. Market, Whole Foods Market, or Food 4 Less.

According to Numbeo, here are examples of food costs:

• Gallon of milk: $4.12
• Loaf of fresh white bread: $3.41
• Rice (1 lb): $2.12
• Dozen large eggs: $3.81
• Local cheese (1 lb): $5.67
• Chicken fillets (1 lb): $8.60
• Beef round (1 lb): $7.20

Long Beach offers countless dining options across a wide range of cuisines. You’ll find authentic taquerias along Anaheim Street and Fourth Street Retro Row, serving everything from al pastor tacos and carne asada fries to creative takes on Baja-style seafood. Some iconic Long Beach bites to try include the lamb chops from George’s Greek Café, the garlic cheese bread burger from Parkers’ Lighthouse, and the famous brussels sprouts from Bo-Beau Kitchen and Roof Tap.

How Much Are Healthcare Costs in Long Beach, CA?

A single adult without children will pay around $2,625 for medical care annually, while a household of two working adults with two children will pay $9,430. Long Beach is well served by healthcare, with MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and St. Mary’s Hospital. However, about 6.5% of Long Beach residents are uninsured.

How Much Is Child Care in Long Beach, CA?

The MIT Living Wage Calculator estimates that child care costs $13,438 per year for a single child and $26,669 for two children. While higher than the national average, it’s still more affordable than child care in cities like Boston and is comparable to costs in Chicago.

For some families, programs like CalWORKs Child Care and the California State Preschool Program (CSPP) may help alleviate some costs. Alternative child care solutions—nanny shares, remote work arrangements, babysitting swaps with friends, or alternating work shifts with a partner—are ways parents may reduce child care expenses.

Fitness and Entertainment in Long Beach, CA

Long Beach’s mild year-round climate makes it easy to stay active outdoors without the added expense. You may still opt for a fitness club membership, which costs on average $39 a month.

Free and low-cost options are everywhere. You can hike or jog popular spots like the Signal Hill Trail, El Dorado Nature Center, and the Dominguez Gap Wetlands, or take advantage of the Long Beach Waterfront paths, which are perfect for running, cycling, or rollerblading. The city also has free community fitness spaces, including outdoor gyms along the beach and public fitness stations in parks such as Bluff Park and Bixby Park.

If going to the movies is a regular outing, this will cost you about $15.10 per ticket. Long Beach also has many attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific, the historic Queen Mary, and performances at the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center—just be sure to factor in these admission costs as part of your monthly budget.

Other Expenses to Consider in Long Beach, CA

The “coastal lifestyle tax” (beach storage, water sports, event tickets) comes with the Long Beach lifestyle. An annual day beach parking pass costs $155, street parking costs upward of $1 an hour, and private garages charge monthly fees of $45 or more.

Car insurance rates are also higher than the national average, partly due to congestion and accident frequency in LA County. On average, Long Beach drivers pay $184 per month, which is higher than the overall national average of $143 per month.

If you’re moving out of state to Long Beach, there are several costs to consider, including transportation, hotels, storage, and cross-country movers. Pet deposits, security deposits, and application fees are additional fees that should be included before renting a place to live.

Furnishing your home is another cost you shouldn’t overlook during the planning process of your big move to Long Beach. To help you save some money, get some tips for decorating your apartment on a budget.

How Much Are Taxes in Long Beach, CA?

Anyone moving to California should be aware that the state has one of the highest tax rate in the country. Long Beach has a combined sales tax rate of 10.5%. That breaks down to be:

• 6.00%: state base rate.
• 3.50%: Los Angeles County.
• 1.00%: city of Long Beach.

On the income side, California has a progressive state income tax system from 1% up to 12.3%, the highest top marginal rate in the nation. Property taxes in California, however, are relatively modest with an average effective rate of 0.71%, which is below the national average of 0.99%.

Newcomers to Long Beach should expect income taxes to take a meaningful portion out of their monthly paycheck.

What Is the Job Market Like in Long Beach, CA?

Even though the cost of living in Long Beach is 61.7% higher than the national average, the city has a strong and diverse job market. Home to the Port of Long Beach, one of the busiest seaports, it supports thousands of jobs in shipping, logistics, and international trade.

Major employers include MemorialCare Health System, California State University Long Beach, and aerospace companies such as Boeing, and with its proximity to Los Angeles, Long Beach also benefits from spillover in tech, entertainment, and finance.

The median household income is $91,318, which is above the national average of $83,730, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. However, the county's unemployment rate of 6.0% as of July 2025 is above the national average of 4.3%.

The average hourly wage in the Los Angeles-Long Beach metro was $36.64 (as of May 2024), slightly above the national average of $32.66.

Ready to Move to Long Beach, CA?

If you’re thinking about making Long Beach your next home, you’ll find a city that blends coastal living with urban energy. The key is figuring out which Long Beach neighborhood matches your lifestyle.

Begin your apartment hunt with the Apartment List quiz to make your transition easier, use the information above as a guide, and turn to Apartment List to find rentals in Long Beach that match your budget and lifestyle so you can secure your dream home. With us, you’ll spend five minutes and save 50 hours searching.

FAQs: Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA

Is Long Beach more expensive than the U.S. average?

Yes. Long Beach’s cost of living is about 61.7% higher than the national average, with housing as the biggest contributor.

How much does rent cost in Long Beach, CA?

The average rent is $2,302, with one-bedrooms averaging $2,786 and two-bedrooms around $3,559.

What is the median home price in Long Beach, CA?

Homes in Long Beach cost around $739,900, slightly above the California average but far below San Francisco or Irvine.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Long Beach, CA?

Using the 30% rule, you’ll need about $111,440 for a one-bedroom and $142,360 for a two-bedroom to live comfortably.

What do utilities cost in Long Beach?

Utilities average about $227 per month for a 915-square-foot apartment, and internet adds about $60 more to the monthly total.

Does Long Beach have public transportation?

Yes. Options include Long Beach Transit buses and water shuttles like the Aqualink. Even so, most residents rely on cars.

How much does food cost in Long Beach?

Groceries run slightly above the national average, and dining out averages $20 per person at inexpensive restaurants.

What are healthcare costs in Long Beach?

Healthcare is slightly below California’s average, with major hospitals like MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and St. Mary’s serving the area.

Is child care expensive in Long Beach?

Yes. Child care costs $13,438 for a single child and $26,669 for two annually.

What are the best free fitness options in Long Beach?

Residents can take advantage of waterfront bike paths, Signal Hill Trail, Bluff Park outdoor gyms, and free community yoga.

What hidden costs should renters budget for in Long Beach?

Don’t forget the “coastal lifestyle tax” (like beach passes or marina storage), parking fees, pet rent, and higher car insurance.

What is the job market like in Long Beach, CA?

The job market is anchored by the Port of Long Beach, healthcare, aerospace, and education, with growth in green tech and creative industries.

How far is Long Beach from Los Angeles?

Long Beach is 24.1 miles from Los Angeles via Interstate 710. Depending on the time of day, it takes about 26 minutes to drive from central Long Beach to central Los Angeles.

Is Long Beach cheaper than Los Angeles?

Regarding rent, living in Long Beach is cheaper than living in Los Angeles. The average overall rent for an apartment in Long Beach is $2,302 per month. In Los Angeles, the average is $3,388.

What is the population of Long Beach?

According to the 2020 census, Long Beach's population is 456,062. The population of the entire state of California is 39,142,991.