Moving from San Francisco to Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach has a COL index of 148 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Long Beach to match your San Francisco lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Francisco | Equivalent in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,515 |
| $50K | $38,144 |
| $60K | $45,773 |
| $75K | $57,216 |
| $80K | $61,031 |
| $100K | $76,289 |
| $120K | $91,546 |
| $150K | $114,433 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Francisco vs Long Beach
| Expense | San Francisco | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $3,600 | $2,400 |
| Groceries | $448 | $410 |
| Transport | $100 | $100 |
| Utilities | $160 | $148 |
| Internet | $70 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $-219 | $1,033 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Beach cheaper than San Francisco?
Yes. Long Beach has a cost of living index of 148 vs 194 for San Francisco (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Francisco to Long Beach?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Francisco to Long Beach could save roughly $1,252/month on core expenses. That's ~$15,024/year.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my San Francisco lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Francisco, you'd need roughly $57,216/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