Living in Long Beach costs about 49.7% more than the U.S. average, largely because housing is expensive [web:88]. Typical rents near $1,794 and median home prices around $830k–$1.32M mean the biggest cost decisions center on where and how to live [web:84][web:88][web:89]. The rest of budgets—groceries, utilities, transport—also run above average, and understanding those trade‑offs helps with smarter planning [web:88].
Cost of Living Snapshot: How Expensive Is Long Beach?
Long Beach runs noticeably pricier than most of the U.S.; overall living costs are about 49.7% above the national average, with housing accounting for the biggest chunk of that gap (132.9% higher) [web:88]. Long Beach cost of living is driven largely by housing costs and higher-than-average day-to-day prices [web:88].
Average rent in Long Beach sits near $1,794/month, while the median home price ranges from roughly $830k (typical home value) to $1.32M (average listing price), so renting can be far cheaper than buying for many households [web:84][web:88][web:89]. Expect monthly expenses in Long Beach for a renter to average about $7,152 and for a homeowner roughly $12,970, reflecting mortgage, taxes, and upkeep [web:88].
Utilities in Long Beach run about 7.3% above U.S. averages, grocery costs about 9.2% higher, and transportation roughly 36.9% higher (gas near $4.41–$4.65/gal as of October 2025) [web:88][web:24][web:115]. If moving to Long Beach, use these figures to estimate the salary needed and plan a realistic monthly budget [web:88].
Housing: Rent, Buying, and Neighborhood Price Ranges
Long Beach rents typically run from about $1,500–$1,800 for studios, $1,800–$2,300 for one‑bedrooms, $2,400–$3,200 for two‑bedrooms, and $3,000–$4,000+ for three‑bedrooms (average apartment rent roughly $1,794) [web:84][web:88]. Neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, Naples Island, and Downtown push prices higher, while North Long Beach, Wrigley, El Dorado, and Lakewood Village are generally more affordable [web:88].
Buying is substantially costlier—expect single‑family homes from roughly $700K to $1.5M+, condos $400K–$800K, with typical home values around $830k and average listing prices near $1.32M—so compare mortgage and income requirements (30% rent guideline: roughly $64K–$72K for a typical one‑bedroom) before deciding [web:88][web:89].
Typical Rent Ranges
A typical Long Beach apartment will cost roughly $1,500–$1,800 for a studio, $1,800–$2,300 for a one‑bed, $2,400–$3,200 for a two‑bed, and $3,000–$4,000+ for a three‑bedroom, though the citywide average is about $1,794 for an apartment [web:84][web:88]. Long Beach rent is driven by neighborhoods and amenities: Belmont Shore and Naples Island push prices up, while affordable areas like North Long Beach and Wrigley offer relief [web:88].
Use average rent to set monthly budgets and apply the 30% income rule: targeting a $1,794 apartment implies roughly $71,760/year [web:84][web:88]. Picture options:
- Waterfront luxury in Downtown and Belmont Shore [web:88]
- Mid‑range apartments near transit and shops [web:88]
- Budget units in North Long Beach and Wrigley [web:88]
Neighborhood Price Map
Break down the city by neighborhoods and clear price bands emerge: studios typically run $1,500–$1,800, one‑beds $1,800–$2,300 (with nicer 700–900 sq ft units in Belmont Heights or Downtown near $2,100), two‑beds $2,400–$3,200, and three‑beds $3,000–$4,000+; citywide average is about $1,794/month for apartments [web:84][web:88]. This neighborhood price map helps plan Long Beach rent and housing costs: pricier pockets (Belmont Shore, Naples Island, Bixby Hill) push median rent and home prices up, while North Long Beach, Wrigley, and Bixby Knolls offer relief [web:88]. Consider older buildings or roommates to lower costs [web:88]. Below is a quick snapshot:
| Neighborhood | Typical Rent | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont Shore [web:88] | $2,200–$3,500 | Waterfront, high home prices |
| Downtown [web:88] | $1,900–$3,200 | Dense, amenities |
| North Long Beach [web:88] | $1,200–$1,700 | More affordable |
| Bixby Knolls [web:88] | $1,600–$2,400 | Family‑friendly |
| Naples Island [web:88] | $2,500–$4,000+ | Premium market |
Buying Vs Renting
Whether to rent or buy in Long Beach depends on budget and timeline: rents run from about $1,500–$1,800 for studios up to $3,000–$4,000+ for three‑beds, while buying typically starts near $400K for condos and around $700K for single‑family homes, with typical home values around $830k and often exceeding $1.32M for listings in premium areas [web:84][web:88][web:89].
Weigh home buying vs renting by comparing upfront costs, ongoing housing costs, and the city’s cost of living index (about 49.7% above U.S. average) [web:88]. Average rent varies by neighborhoods (Belmont Shore, Downtown are pricier) [web:88]. To visualize choices, consider:
- Shared 2‑bed with roommates to cut monthly budget and Long Beach rent [web:88]
- A condo purchase at typical prices for lower entry but HOA costs [web:88][web:89]
- A single‑family in high‑end neighborhoods with larger mortgage impact [web:88][web:89]
Monthly Budgets by Household Type
Because household composition drives most cost differences, budgets should be planned around household type and expected major line items: for example, single renters face average basic monthly expenses near $7,152 (housing about $4,030, groceries ~$755), while homeowners average roughly $12,970 (mortgage ~$5,842, groceries ~$1,502, utilities ~$905) [web:88].
Married couples with young kids and with older kids show higher combined spending, especially on groceries ($1,470–$1,713), housing ($4,967–$5,544), utilities ($856–$932), transportation ($1,087–$1,251) and goods & services ($2,640–$3,183) [web:88]. Use these benchmarks to shape a Long Beach monthly budget [web:88].
Expect average rent in Long Beach and housing costs to dominate single renter expenses, while monthly expenses for homeowners push totals much higher [web:88]. Grocery costs run about 9.2% above U.S. averages; utilities are ~7.3% higher [web:88]. Transportation expenses are especially elevated (~36.9% over U.S.), so factor commuting and fuel into costs for families [web:88].
Utilities, Internet, and Monthly Essentials
Expect to pay about $300/month for combined utilities if single and roughly $400–$500 for a family of four, with electricity typically $80–$150 (higher in summer) and gas $30–$60 [web:113]. Internet usually runs $50–$100/month and cell plans $50–$100 per person, so households commonly budget $100–$200 for both [web:113].
Regional studies show utilities run ~7.3% above the U.S. average and energy about +12%, so monitoring A/C use and sharing services can materially lower monthly essentials [web:88].
Monthly Utility Estimates
Plan for utilities and connectivity as predictable monthly costs when budgeting for Long Beach living [web:113]. Average utilities run about $300 per month for a single person and $400–$500 for a family of four [web:113]. Electricity typically ranges $80–$150 (higher with A/C), water/sewer/trash $80–$120, and gas $30–$60 [web:113]. Regional data show utilities in Long Beach are ~7.3% above U.S. average; energy costs sit roughly 12% higher [web:88].
- Picture a $120 electricity spike in summer with constant A/C [web:113]
- Imagine $90 monthly combined water and trash for a small household [web:113]
- Visualize $60 for gas during cooler months [web:113]
Bills can be trimmed by reducing A/C use, upgrading appliances, and comparing service rates [web:88].
Internet & Phone Costs
Alongside electricity, water and gas, internet and phone service are predictable monthly expenses to budget for in Long Beach [web:113]. Expect Internet service to run about $50–$100/month depending on speed and service providers; many residents pick lower-tier plans to save [web:113].
Cell phone lines typically add $50–$100/month per line, so a two-person household can easily spend $100–$200 on phone service alone [web:113]. Combined utilities, internet and phone for a typical two-person household usually total roughly $350–$450/month [web:113].
Overall utilities in Long Beach are about 7.3% above the U.S. average, with energy closer to 12% higher, so factor seasonal electricity spikes into budgets [web:88]. Costs can be lowered by conserving energy and shopping providers [web:88].
Food, Groceries, and Dining Out Costs
Often food costs in Long Beach are noticeably above the national average: groceries run about 9.2% higher, with staples like a gallon of milk ($5.04) and a dozen eggs ($3.09) reflecting local pricing, and typical monthly grocery budgets fall around $350–$450 for a single person, $600 for couples, and $800–$1,200 for a family of four (a common guideline is $1,000) [web:88].
More is paid at supermarkets and restaurants: casual dining out averages $15–$20 per person, mid-range $30–$50, and many couples budget ~$500/month for eating out [web:88]. Coffee prices and prepared foods push goods & services ~19.6% above average (coffee ≈ $6.64, pizza ≈ $15.64) [web:88]. To picture choices, consider:
- A cart at Food 4 Less or Grocery Outlet with basics [web:88]
- A weekend farmers markets haul (Downtown Friday, Marina Sunday) [web:88]
- A casual dinner plus coffee for two at a local restaurant [web:88]
Plan a monthly grocery budget, track food prices, and use discount supermarkets and happy hours to control costs [web:88].
Transportation, Gas, and Commuting Expenses
When local gas prices, insurance, and parking are factored in, transportation is one of Long Beach’s larger monthly expenses: expect roughly $150–$250 for gas per driver, $100–$200 for auto insurance, and $75–$100 for registration and basic maintenance, with annual driving costs averaging about $9,852 for a single adult and $16,526 for a family of four [web:88].
Long Beach transportation costs are driven up by gas prices averaging $4.41–$4.65 per gallon as of October 2025—about 46% above the U.S. average—so commuting expenses will likely sit ~36.9% higher than national norms [web:88][web:24][web:115]. If using public transit, Long Beach offers Long Beach Transit ($1.25/ride) and the Metro A Line ($1.75/ride or ~$100/month) [web:106][web:108][web:111].
Parking costs vary: many neighborhoods are free, downtown monthly parking runs $100–$200 [web:88]. To lower monthly transportation budgets, mix modes—use a rideshare and transit combination for occasional trips, buy monthly passes when possible, and track fuel and maintenance to control auto insurance costs and overall annual driving costs [web:88][web:108].
Healthcare, Goods & Services, and Entertainment
After budgeting for commuting and car costs, planning for healthcare, goods and services, and entertainment is needed — areas where Long Beach’s prices scatter around and above national averages [web:88]. Expect healthcare near U.S. norms: a doctor visit averages ~$130 (about 11% below national) while a dentist visit is ~$133 (≈12% above) [web:88].
Employer health insurance contributions typically hit $100–$500/month; individual Covered California plans run ~$300–$700 before subsidies [web:88]. Goods and services run ~19.6% higher than the U.S. average, pushing up everyday costs [web:88].
- Movie night: ~$18.88 per ticket, higher than many cities [web:88]
- Quick dry cleaning or a shirt press: ~$24.25, note premium local pricing [web:88]
- Personal care: salon and vet visits can be 47–93% above national levels [web:88]
For entertainment, budget couples ~$400/month and families ~$300/month for gym memberships, streaming services ($10–$20 each), and outings to avoid surprises [web:88].
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Average Cost of Living in Long Beach CA?
About 49.7% above U.S. average is paid; expect $1,794 average rent, high transport expenses, seasonal utilities, groceries breakdown shows ~9.2% higher, factor healthcare access, childcare options, entertainment costs, pet ownership, parking fees, and neighborhood comparisons [web:88][web:84].
What Is the Average Rent in Long Beach?
About $1,794 monthly on average is paid for an apartment in Long Beach; use neighborhood comparisons, check pet policies, utility averages, rent control, roommate strategies, short‑term rentals, furnished options, and negotiate leases amid market trends [web:84][web:88].
What Salary Do I Need to Live in Long Beach?
Roughly $85,000–$95,000 annually is needed for a comfortable single or couple lifestyle, adjusting for household size, career growth, commuting expenses, tax implications, childcare costs, telecommuting benefits, savings targets and emergency fund requirements [web:88].
How Much Should Rent Cost per Month?
Aim for $1,750–$2,400 monthly depending on neighborhood comparisons; factor pet policies, utilities breakdown, parking costs and lease lengths [web:88]. Use roommate strategies, short term rentals, affordable complexes and rent negotiation to lower costs [web:88].
Conclusion
So, the beach comes with a price tag [web:88]. With rents around $1,794, home values from $830k to $1.32M, and monthly budgets from about $7,152 (renters) to $12,970 (owners), Long Beach isn’t budget‑friendly; predictable for a coastal city [web:84][web:88][web:89]. More is paid for groceries, utilities and gas, but ocean views and convenience come with it [web:88]. If that tradeoff sounds fair, plan carefully — the numbers don’t lie, even if they’re wished otherwise [web:88].
