Long Beach, California has an overall cost of living index of 113.3, which is 13.3 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,803 per month, while the typical home is valued around $762,200. Households earn a median of $83,969 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is moderate, with an average AQI of 72. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$83,969
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,803
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$762,200
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
113.3
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,863
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,085
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,601
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,298
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
113.3
Goods
106.5
Rents / Housing
176.9
Services
149.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
13.30%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
7.25%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $151,780 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $121,440 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $93,750 |
| ⚡Electrician | $83,090 |
| 📊Accountant | $96,620 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
458,491
Latest estimate
Median Age
36.8 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
72.0
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Long Beach?
Long Beach has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 113.3. The US national average is 100, so Long Beach is 13.3 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Long Beach?
The median gross rent in Long Beach is $1,803 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Long Beach?
The median household income in Long Beach is $83,969 per year.
What is the median home value in Long Beach?
The median home value in Long Beach is $762,200 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Long Beach?
Long Beach has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 72.0, which is rated "Moderate" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in Long Beach?
California has a top state income tax rate of 13.30% and a statewide sales tax of 7.25% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology