The Long Beach cost of living is high for a mid-sized city: a one-bedroom apartment rents for about $1,600 to $2,300 a month, and a single renter should plan on roughly $2,800 to $4,300 a month in total. Apartment List’s October 2026 report puts the median Long Beach rent at $1,785 overall, $1,595 for a one-bedroom and $1,953 for a two-bedroom.
Quick answer
- Median rent (Oct 2026): $1,785 overall, $1,595 for a 1-bedroom, $1,953 for a 2-bedroom (Apartment List).
- Median home sale price (Sept 2026): about $910,000 (Redfin).
- Single renter budget: roughly $2,800 to $4,300 a month, depending on neighborhood and car use.
- Income to rent a typical 1-bedroom: about $64,000 to $92,000 a year if rent is kept to 30% of gross income.
Long Beach Cost of Living Snapshot
Housing is the main reason Long Beach costs more than most of the country. Cost-of-living indexes from different providers generally put Long Beach well above the national average, with housing the biggest gap, and the exact percentage depends on the provider. Groceries, utilities and transportation also run higher than the U.S. norm.
Renting is far cheaper month to month than buying. At a median sale price near $910,000, a homeowner’s mortgage, property tax, insurance and upkeep can be several times a typical apartment rent.
| Monthly item (single renter) | Estimated range |
|---|---|
| Rent (studio to 1-bedroom) | $1,500 – $2,300 |
| Electricity, water, gas, trash | $180 – $250 |
| Internet and phone | $100 – $180 |
| Groceries | $350 – $450 |
| Transportation (car or transit) | $100 – $600 |
| Dining, health, entertainment | $300 – $500 |
| Estimated total | $2,800 – $4,300 |
These are planning estimates built from rent reports and typical local bills, not exact prices. Your total depends mostly on rent and whether you own a car.
Housing: Rent, Buying and Neighborhood Price Ranges
Rent varies a lot by distance from the ocean. As a guide from current listings and rent reports:
- Studios: about $1,500 to $1,800.
- One-bedrooms: about $1,600 to $2,300.
- Two-bedrooms: about $1,950 to $3,200.
- Three-bedroom homes: often $3,000 to $4,000 or more.
Neighborhood Rent Guide
| Area | Typical 1-bedroom rent (estimate) | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Belmont Shore, Naples | $2,200 – $3,500+ | Walkable to the beach, limited parking, highest demand |
| Downtown Long Beach | $1,900 – $3,000 | High-rise living, near the Metro A Line and nightlife |
| Bixby Knolls, Belmont Heights | $1,600 – $2,400 | Residential feel, shopping corridors, mid-range rents |
| North Long Beach, Wrigley | $1,200 – $1,800 | Most affordable, longer trip to the beach |
Buying vs. Renting in Long Beach
Condos generally cost far less than houses, but buying still needs a large down payment. At a $910,000 price, a 20% down payment is about $182,000 before closing costs, and property taxes and any HOA dues come on top. If you are not staying for several years, renting usually leaves more cash free.
- Split a multi-bedroom unit with roommates to cut rent and utilities.
- Look at inland or north-side neighborhoods for lower rents.
- Compare nearby metros in our guides to the cost of living in Los Angeles and the cost of living in Anaheim.
Monthly Budgets by Household Type
A single renter can budget about $2,800 to $4,300 a month. Couples share rent and utilities, so costs per person are lower, while families face larger housing needs and childcare. Childcare is often the biggest family line item in Southern California, and a family renting a two- or three-bedroom home can expect rent alone of about $2,000 to $4,000.
Use the 30% rule as a starting point: divide your target rent by 0.30 and multiply by 12 to get the gross yearly income you need. A $1,595 one-bedroom needs about $64,000, and a $2,300 one-bedroom needs about $92,000.
Utilities, Internet and Monthly Essentials
For one person in a small apartment, utilities usually total about $180 to $250 a month. Electricity comes from Southern California Edison, while water, sewer, gas and trash are billed by Long Beach Utilities.
- Electricity: roughly $80 to $150, higher in summer when air conditioning runs.
- Water, sewer and trash: roughly $80 to $120 for a household.
- Natural gas: roughly $30 to $60, higher in winter.
- Internet: typically $50 to $100 depending on speed and provider.
- Mobile phone: typically $40 to $100 per line.
Bills vary by apartment size, appliances and plan. Check current rates with your provider.
Food, Groceries and Dining Out
Groceries typically run $350 to $450 a month for one adult, $600 to $750 for a couple and $1,000 to $1,400 for a family of four. California food prices are above the national average, but discount stores such as Trader Joe’s, Smart & Final and Grocery Outlet help.
A casual lunch usually costs $15 to $20 per person, and a mid-range dinner for two with drinks often lands around $70 to $110. Farmers markets, including the Downtown Long Beach market, are good for fresh produce.
Transportation, Gas and Commuting
Driving is the biggest transportation cost. California fuel prices run well above the national average, and car insurance, registration and maintenance add up, so many drivers spend several thousand dollars a year per vehicle. Check AAA for current gas prices.
Public transit is cheaper. Long Beach Transit charges a $1.25 base fare, a $4 day pass and $65 for a 30-day pass. The LA Metro A Line light rail runs from Long Beach to Downtown Los Angeles for a $1.75 fare. Garage parking in Downtown Long Beach can add $100 to $200 a month if it is not included in your lease.
Healthcare, Goods, Services and Entertainment
Healthcare costs are close to the national picture, but insurance premiums vary widely with age, income and plan. If you buy your own plan, compare options and subsidies on Covered California before you budget.
- Sales tax: combined rates of roughly 10.25% to 11% are listed for Long Beach depending on source and ZIP code, so confirm the current rate with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA).
- Entertainment: movie tickets and gym memberships vary widely, from budget chains to boutique clubs.
- Personal services: salons and dry cleaning often cost more than in lower-cost states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of living in Long Beach, CA?
A single renter typically needs about $2,800 to $4,300 a month. Rent is the largest piece, with the median Long Beach rent at $1,785 in October 2026 according to Apartment List, and transportation, groceries and utilities also running above national averages.
What is the average rent in Long Beach?
Apartment List reports a median rent of $1,785 for October 2026, with $1,595 for a one-bedroom and $1,953 for a two-bedroom. Beachfront areas like Belmont Shore and Naples cost noticeably more, while North Long Beach is cheaper.
What salary do I need to live in Long Beach?
To keep rent at 30% of gross income, a single renter in a typical one-bedroom needs about $64,000 to $92,000 a year. Families renting larger homes generally need considerably more, depending on childcare and housing costs.
Is it cheaper to rent or buy in Long Beach?
Renting is cheaper month to month. The median home sale price was about $910,000 in September 2026 according to Redfin, so a 20% down payment alone is roughly $182,000 before closing costs, property tax and insurance.
Conclusion
Long Beach offers a coastal Southern California lifestyle at a clear premium. Plan for rent near $1,600 to $2,300 for a one-bedroom, add utilities, food and transport, and compare neighborhoods before you sign a lease.
Sources
- Apartment List: Long Beach rent report – median rents, October 2026.
- Redfin: Long Beach housing market – median sale price, September 2026.
- Long Beach Transit: Fares – base fare, day pass and 30-day pass.
- California CDTFA: Sales and use tax rates – current local rates.
