Moving from Irvine to Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach has a COL index of 148 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). You'd pay about 6% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Long Beach to match your Irvine lifestyle
Based on the 6% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Irvine | Equivalent in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $37,468 |
| $50K | $46,835 |
| $60K | $56,203 |
| $75K | $70,253 |
| $80K | $74,937 |
| $100K | $93,671 |
| $120K | $112,405 |
| $150K | $140,506 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Irvine vs Long Beach
| Expense | Irvine | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| Groceries | $429 | $410 |
| Transport | $90 | $100 |
| Utilities | $148 | $148 |
| Internet | $70 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $622 | $1,033 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Beach cheaper than Irvine?
Yes. Long Beach has a cost of living index of 148 vs 158 for Irvine (100 = US average). That's about 6% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Irvine to Long Beach?
On a $75K salary, moving from Irvine to Long Beach could save roughly $411/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,932/year.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Irvine lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Irvine, you'd need roughly $70,253/year in Long Beach. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only