Median rent is 24% lower in Long Beach ($1,871/mo vs $2,476/mo). Buying is cheaper in Long Beach, where the median home runs $806,600 versus $1,394,500. Households earn more in San Francisco ($140,970 vs $87,430 a year). Taken together, Long Beach is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 114.7 against 117.6 — about 2% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in San Francisco, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Long Beach is 2% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 114.7 in Long Beach vs 117.6 in San Francisco (US national average = 100)
City A
Long Beach, CA
City B
San Francisco, CA
How much would you need to earn in San Francisco, CA to maintain your standard of living from Long Beach, CA?
Equivalent salary in San Francisco, CA
$76,831
You'd need $1,831 more (2% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Long Beach
California
San Francisco
California
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Long Beach — median rent of $1,871/mo versus $2,476/mo in San Francisco, a 24% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in San Francisco: the median home is $1,394,500 versus $806,600 in Long Beach — 42% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Long Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
San Francisco
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Long Beach (avg AQI 65.0) but not yet for San Francisco.
Pick San Francisco if you prioritize higher median household income ($140,970/yr).
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,871/mo median).
Is Long Beach cheaper than San Francisco?
Long Beach is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 114.7 versus 117.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 2% lower in Long Beach.
How much is rent in Long Beach vs San Francisco?
Median rent is $1,871/mo in Long Beach, CA and $2,476/mo in San Francisco, CA. Long Beach, CA has the lower rent by about 24%.
Which has higher salaries — Long Beach or San Francisco?
Median household income is $87,430 in Long Beach, CA and $140,970 in San Francisco, CA. San Francisco, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Long Beach or San Francisco?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in San Francisco to match my Long Beach income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Long Beach, CA is equivalent to roughly $102,442 in San Francisco, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
