Moving from Los Angeles to Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach has a COL index of 148 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). You'd pay about 14% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Long Beach to match your Los Angeles lifestyle
Based on the 14% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Los Angeles | Equivalent in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $34,220 |
| $50K | $42,775 |
| $60K | $51,329 |
| $75K | $64,162 |
| $80K | $68,439 |
| $100K | $85,549 |
| $120K | $102,659 |
| $150K | $128,324 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Los Angeles vs Long Beach
| Expense | Los Angeles | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $2,800 | $2,400 |
| Groceries | $410 | $410 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $145 | $148 |
| Internet | $70 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $634 | $1,033 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $399 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Los Angeles — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Beach cheaper than Los Angeles?
Yes. Long Beach has a cost of living index of 148 vs 173 for Los Angeles (100 = US average). That's about 14% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Los Angeles to Long Beach?
On a $75K salary, moving from Los Angeles to Long Beach saves roughly $400/month on core expenses. That's ~$4,800/year.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Los Angeles lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Los Angeles, you'd need roughly $64,162/year in Long Beach. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only