Moving from St. Louis to Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach has a COL index of 148 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 70% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Long Beach to match your St. Louis lifestyle
Based on the 70% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in St. Louis | Equivalent in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $68,046 |
| $50K | $85,057 |
| $60K | $102,069 |
| $75K | $127,586 |
| $80K | $136,092 |
| $100K | $170,115 |
| $120K | $204,138 |
| $150K | $255,172 |
Monthly budget at $75K — St. Louis vs Long Beach
| Expense | St. Louis | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,447 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $1,300 | $2,400 |
| Groceries | $369 | $410 |
| Transport | $75 | $100 |
| Utilities | $162 | $148 |
| Internet | $60 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $2,481 | $1,033 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Beach cheaper than St. Louis?
No. Long Beach has a cost of living index of 148 vs 87 for St. Louis (100 = US average). That's about 70% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from St. Louis to Long Beach?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Long Beach run about $1,160/month more than St. Louis. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my St. Louis lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in St. Louis, you'd need roughly $127,586/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