Last updated 2026-06-12 ยท MovePlan Editorial Team
Expensive, but a real discount versus Los Angeles proper next door.
Cost of living index (US avg = 100): 138
Median 2BR rent: $2,700/mo
Housing: 152 vs 100
Groceries: 108 vs 100
Utilities: 98 vs 100
Transportation: 114 vs 100
Healthcare: 103 vs 100
Long Beach offers a walkable downtown, a working waterfront, and rent that finally undercuts LA. Costs are well above the national average but lower than central Los Angeles.