Moving from San Diego to Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach has a COL index of 148 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 0% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Long Beach to match your San Diego lifestyle
Based on the 0% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Diego | Equivalent in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $40,000 |
| $50K | $50,000 |
| $60K | $60,000 |
| $75K | $75,000 |
| $80K | $80,000 |
| $100K | $100,000 |
| $120K | $120,000 |
| $150K | $150,000 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Diego vs Long Beach
| Expense | San Diego | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $2,400 |
| Groceries | $414 | $410 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $130 | $148 |
| Internet | $65 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $850 | $1,033 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Beach cheaper than San Diego?
No. Long Beach has a cost of living index of 148 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). That's about 0% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from San Diego to Long Beach?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Diego to Long Beach could save roughly $183/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,196/year.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my San Diego lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Diego, you'd need roughly $75,000/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