Living Costs in Long Beach, CA: What to Expect

Thinking about moving to Long Beach, California? The cost of living is a significant factor. PayScale says Long Beach’s living cost is 51% higher than the national average. This is primarily because of expensive housing, which is 140% above the national average.

Utility prices are also high, 11% above average. Transportation costs are up too, 28% above average. On top of this, groceries and healthcare are also more expensive, by 11% and 12%, respectively.

Knowing the cost of living is very important for those thinking of making Long Beach their home. This article will examine how much living in Long Beach costs. It will cover everything from housing and getting around to healthcare and buying food. This information will help you plan your budget wisely.

Is Long Beach expensive to live in?

Long Beach is part of the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Glendale Metro Division, which ranks 6th out of 273 cities in the US for cost of living, according to C2ER (the Council for Community and Economic Research). The cost of living in Long Beach is estimated to be 149.1% of the national average, positioning it as one of the pricier cities in the country.

Your monthly expenses will vary based on housing costs, food, utilities, transportation, healthcare, and other miscellaneous goods and services. Household composition (such as being single or married and the number of children) and whether you rent or own your home will also influence your monthly budget.

Cost of Living in Long Beach, CA

Thinking of moving to Long Beach, California? It’s smart to look at the city’s cost of living. According to PayScale’s Cost of Living Calculator, Long Beach’s cost of living is 51% higher than the national average. The city’s expensive real estate market, high utility bills, and pricey transportation increase this number.

How Long Beach’s Cost of Living Compares to the National Average

The median home price in Long Beach is about $845339. The average monthly rent is $2557 per month, while the nationwide figure is $1,749.

Utility bills and transportation costs are also much more expensive in Long Beach. They’re above the national average by 11% and 12%, respectively.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Living in Long Beach

The high cost of living in Long Beach comes from various factors:

Expensive real estate market, with median home prices around $845339 and median rents of $2557 per month
Utility bills that are 11% higher than the national average
Transportation costs that are 12% above the national norm
Grocery and healthcare services that are 11% and 12% more expensive than the national average, respectively

All these elements make Long Beach one of the pricier places to live across the country.

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Housing Expenses in Long Beach

Housing in Long Beach, California, costs a lot. The median home price in Long Beach is $1,083,995. This is 140% more than the national average. Also, the median rents in the city are high at $3,296 per month.

Utility bills in Long Beach can drain your wallet, too. The energy bill is about $195.92 per month, and the phone bill is around $210.76 each month.

Utility Costs in Long Beach

Living costs in Long Beach are 51% higher than the U.S. average. This is because of the high housing costs, which are 165% higher. Also, everything in the city costs 12% more than the rest of the country.

Much of your money will go to housing and utilities in Long Beach. Planning your finances carefully is vital to living well in this city near the coast.

Transportation Costs in Long Beach

Living in Long Beach, California, means factoring in transportation costs. Data highlights that these costs are roughly 28% higher than the national average. So, if you’re driving in Long Beach, gas prices around $4.36 per gallon will greatly impact your budget.

Public transport could save you money, with a monthly pass costing about $80. Don’t forget about parking fees ranging from $1 to $2 an hour in the downtown areas.

For those preferring ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft, a short trip could cost around $15, while longer journeys might go up to $35. Taxis have an initial fee of $3 and charge around $2.50 per mile.

Transportation costs play a big part in your cost of living. To comfortably live in the Los Angeles-Long Beach area, you’d need an income of $46,719. This includes money for getting around.

Transportation Mode	Average Cost in Long Beach
Public Transportation (Monthly Pass)	$80
Gasoline (per gallon)	$4.36
Parking (per hour, downtown)	$1 – $2
Uber/Lyft (short distance)	$15
Uber/Lyft (long distance)	$35
Taxi (initial fee + per mile)	$3 + $2.50/mile

Grocery and Food Prices in Long Beach

Living in Long Beach, California means you’ll see slightly higher grocery prices. The cost of food is about 11% more than the U.S. average. This is because Long Beach has a higher cost of living.

Cost of Common Grocery Items

The cost of everyday food in Long Beach is noticeable. For example, a loaf of bread costs $4.31, a gallon of milk costs $2.70, some eggs cost $2.50, bananas cost $3.74, and a hamburger patty costs $5.70.

Grocery Item	Average Price in Long Beach
Loaf of Bread	$4.31
Gallon of Milk	$2.70
Carton of Eggs	$2.50
Bunch of Bananas	$3.74
Hamburger Patty	$5.70

In Long Beach, the prices are higher but fit the city’s living costs. For those looking to save on food, try local farmers’ markets. Also, using sales on fresh, seasonal food can save money.

Healthcare Costs in Long Beach

Healthcare costs in Long Beach, California, are a crucial part of your living budget. They run about 12% higher than the U.S. average. So, it’s crucial to plan for these costs.

Typical Costs for Medical Services

Looking at standard medical services in Long Beach, here are some costs:

Doctor’s visit: $139.40
Dentist visit: $120.27
Optometrist visit: $131.31
Prescription drug: $513.62
Veterinary visit: $69.67

Prices can change depending on the provider, service type, and whether you have insurance. But this list shows what health expenses are like for Long Beach’s folks.

Medical Service	Typical Cost in Long Beach
Doctor’s visit	$139.40
Dentist visit	$120.27
Optometrist visit	$131.31
Prescription drug	$513.62
Veterinary visit	$69.67

Locals should include healthcare costs in their budgets. Knowing about these usual expenses helps everyone handle their health bills better.

Other Living Expenses in Long Beach

In Long Beach, California, people deal with more than rent, transport, and healthcare costs. This includes things like dining out and buying groceries. While exact figures are hard to find, these extra expenses add up and make the city more costly to live in.

Take eating out. A meal for two in Long Beach costs around 50.4% less than at the same type of restaurant in Seattle. When it comes to buying groceries, items like eggs and apples are also cheaper, at around 35.6% and 40.6%, respectively. This is good news for Long Beach residents’ wallets.

Personal care and fun activities are also lower here. For instance, a monthly bus pass is 43.5% cheaper in Long Beach than in Seattle. Basic living costs for a standard 915 sq ft apartment are 66.1% less. All these savings can help balance the area’s higher rents and healthcare costs.

These examples show that Long Beach has its perks. While some things cost more here, you can save quite a bit on daily expenses. This can make living in Long Beach more affordable than in other big cities along the West Coast.

Detailed Cost Comparisons

Item	Long Beach, CA	Seattle, WA	Difference
Meal for 2, Mid-range Restaurant	$60.00	$90.00	-50.4%
Eggs (12 eggs)	$3.25	$4.41	-35.6%
Apples (1 lb)	$2.49	$3.50	-40.6%
Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)	$3.00	$2.50	16.9%
Gasoline (1 gallon)	$4.50	$4.44	1.4%
Monthly Pass, Local Transport	$100.00	$143.00	-43.5%
Utilities (915 sq ft Apartment)	$150.00	$250.00	-66.1%

While Long Beach is a bit pricey in some areas, it’s good to remember the savings. People here pay less for many daily items and enjoy life. These savings can make living in Long Beach more doable for many, even with the higher rent and healthcare costs. And that’s a big win for those who call this sunny city home.

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Budgeting for a Comfortable Life in Long Beach

Living comfortably in Long Beach, California, requires smart budgeting. The city’s higher cost of living makes it important to plan out expenses. For a good life in Long Beach, it’s vital to think about how you spend your money. People’s budgeting needs will differ, but there are key areas to keep in mind.

Estimating Monthly Expenses

For many, housing is the biggest way to a good life in Long Long Beach. The median price for a home is $844,933 here. Rent averages $2,800 a month, more than the national average. Utility costs are also higher, at around $437.92 monthly.

Getting around can also cost you a bit. A monthly bus pass is $50. And food costs add up fast. On average, Californians spend $322.08 a month on groceries.

Healthcare can be a considerable expense, depending on your needs and insurance. Don’t forget about things like childcare and entertainment—they’re also part of the budget puzzle.

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost
Housing (Median Rent)	$2,800
Utilities (Electricity, Water, Gas)	$437.92
Transportation (Monthly Bus Pass)	$50
Groceries	$322.08
Healthcare	Varies
Miscellaneous	Varies

By carefully budgeting for these costs, people in Long Beach can enjoy a more secure and happier life.

Affordable Neighborhoods in Long Beach

Long Beach, CA, is known for its high cost of living. But, it has some budget-friendly neighborhoods within the city. These areas are perfect for those looking for affordable housing options in this sunny coastal community.

Bixby Knolls, East Long Beach, and Signal Hill are among the top affordable spots in Long Beach. These neighborhoods offer lower housing costs than the city’s downtown and coastal areas.

In Bixby Knolls, the median home costs about $695,625. Renting here is around $1,130 per month. In terms of crime, it’s considered safer than 52% of Long Beach. East Long Beach is even more affordable. A home there goes for $458,325 with a $717 monthly rent. It’s safer than 59% of the city.

Lakewood Village is a good option, too. Homes there have a median price of $591,314, with rent at $1,036. This neighborhood is safer than 74% of Long Beach. Los Altos offers median home prices at $531,288 and rent at $1,323. It is safer than 67% of the city.

Los Cerritos is yet another budget-friendly area. The median home price is $508,075, and rent is $1,689. It’s safer than 78% of the neighborhoods in Long Beach.

Neighborhood	Median Home Price	Median Monthly Rent	Crime Rate Compared to Long Beach
Bixby Knolls	$695,625	$1,130	Safer than 52%
East Long Beach	$458,325	$717	Safer than 59%
Lakewood Village	$591,314	$1,036	Safer than 74%
Los Altos	$531,288	$1,323	Safer than 67%
Los Cerritos	$508,075	$1,689	Safer than 78%

Although the median home sale price in Long Beach is $771,000, there are more affordable choices. The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is $2,856, but in the inexpensive areas, prices are much lower. These neighborhoods are within a quick drive to the city center, offering both savings and convenience.

Job Opportunities and Income Levels in Long Beach

Long Beach, California, offers many healthcare, education, logistics, and tourism jobs. However, people looking for jobs should be aware of the city’s living costs.

The latest numbers show the median income in Long Beach is $66,410. That’s about 20% more than the U.S. average. A good pay can help cover the city’s higher living costs.

Here are some big employers in Long Beach:

In the Jobs Long Beach market, many industries are hiring. Healthcare, education, logistics, and tourism are the most significant sectors. These jobs offer salaries long beach that can support a good life.

Occupation	Median Salary (Long Beach)	Median Salary (National)
Registered Nurse	$93,210	$77,600
Elementary School Teacher	$67,890	$59,420
Logistician	$74,590	$76,270
Hotel Manager	$59,730	$55,030

Job seekers in Long Beach should research the city’s salaries. Research can help them find well-paying jobs, allowing them to live comfortably in the city.

Cost of Living Comparison with Neighboring Cities

When considering living costs in Long Beach, California, comparing to nearby areas is key. Long Beach is pricier than most of the U.S. but less so than cities like LA or San Francisco. Looking at these numbers helps people see if they can afford Long Beach.

The data shows that living well in the LA-Long Beach area costs about $46,719 yearly. This is almost half less than the Sunnyvale, CA costs. House prices are over 100% lower here than in Sunnyvale, and rent is about 50% less.

Cost of Living Metric	Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA
Total Energy Costs	7.26% lower
Phone Bills	12.25% lower
Gasoline Costs	16.20% higher
Doctor Visit Costs	44.38% lower
Dental Visit Costs	35.70% lower
Optometrist Visit Costs	39.01% lower
Prescription Drug Costs	95.01% higher
Ibuprofen Costs	6.83% lower
Grocery Costs	38.59% lower
Bread Costs	37.35% lower
Coffee Costs	11.16% lower
Shampoo Costs	26.49% lower

Compared to Irvine, Long Beach is 2.0% cheaper overall. Irvine’s home costs are significantly higher, up by 39.1%. Health care and utilities tend to cost more in Irvine. On the other hand, Irvine’s price tags for groceries and utilities are lower.

Living in Long Beach is 1.5% cheaper than nearby Huntington Beach. But, the salary change between these places is about the same, 0.0%.

Looking at all the numbers, it’s clear Long Beach is a bit more expensive than average. But it’s still a cheaper choice among many California coastal cities. If moving here, consider your budget and how those costs fit in.

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Tips for Saving Money in Long Beach

Living costs can be high in Long Beach, California. But don’t worry; residents have many ways to save money and live comfortably. People can enjoy life in this exciting coastal city by being smart about spending.

Explore Affordable Housing Options

Housing is a significant expense in Long Beach. To cut costs, look for cheaper areas. You might also rent instead of buying. The city has condos, townhouses, and more at different prices.

Utilize Public Transportation

Long Beach’s public transit is excellent. It includes buses and the Metro Blue Line. Using these services instead of driving can save money on gas, car repairs, and insurance.

Take Advantage of Local Discounts and Deals

Local businesses often give discounts. Keep an eye out for coupons and special offers. This can save you money on food, fun, and daily needs.

Prioritize Budgeting and Careful Spending

Creating a budget is key to managing Long Beach’s high cost of living. Track spending and look for places to save. Making smart choices about what to spend on can keep your finances healthy.

These tips can help Long Beach residents live well, even on a tight budget. With some creativity and discipline, saving and enjoying the city is possible. Enjoy a secure lifestyle in this lovely part of California.

Pros and Cons of Living in Long Beach

Long Beach, CA, sits right by the beautiful Pacific coast. It’s a place where city life meets seaside living. Like any spot, there are good and not-so-good parts to consider. Knowing the pros and cons helps people decide if this city matches their lifestyle and budget.

Advantages of Living in Long Beach

Living in Long Beach means you’re near the ocean. You can spend days on sandy beaches, enjoy the lively waterfront, and do fun water activities. The city also has lots of culture, like museums and places to see live shows. Plus, there’s an extensive choice when it comes to restaurants.

The city’s strong job market is a plus, too. Jobs in health care, tech, and more are available. Plus, being close to Los Angeles means more job opportunities.

Drawbacks of Living in Long Beach

One tough thing about Long Beach is its high living costs, especially for homes. The average home price is over $800,000, which might be out of reach for many. Renting isn’t cheap either. A one-bedroom apartment can cost between $1,690 and $2,908 each month.

Long Beach also has a lot of traffic, especially on the 405 and 710 freeways. This means long drives and sometimes a lot of stress. The city’s air quality may not be the best, which could be hard for some people’s health.

Another thing to note is that Long Beach is pretty busy and loud. Crowded areas and noise might bother some folks, and this urban vibe can impact how enjoyable some find living here.

Deciding to live in Long Beach, CA, is not something to take lightly. Its seaside living, job options, and culture are incredible. But, the high cost, traffic issues, and city noise might be deal-breakers for some. What matters most is finding a place that meets your personal and financial needs.

Conclusion

The cost of living in Long Beach, California, is much higher than the national average. This is mainly due to the high cost of housing. Besides, utilities, transportation, groceries, and healthcare expenses are also elevated. Living here can be tough on the wallet.

Long Beach has its perks, like a beautiful coastal lifestyle and many job opportunities. But it’s essential to think about the costs before moving here. Doing a lot of budgeting and checking out affordable areas might make it easier to live in Long Beach.

When we look at the costs in Long Beach, it’s clear that housing is quite expensive. But with careful planning, living here is still possible. There are ways to find cheaper areas and use resources wisely.

Even though Long Beach can be pricey, it offers a lot, too. People and families can enjoy living in this lively coastal city by spending smartly. It’s a balance between enjoying life and staying financially stable.

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FAQS about Living Costs in Long Beach, CA

Is Long Beach an expensive place to live?

Compared to other cities in California, Long Beach has a more affordable cost of living. While housing prices might be high, the overall expenses, including groceries, healthcare, and transportation, are relatively reasonable.

What is the average monthly rent in Long Beach?

The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Long Beach ranges from $1,500 to $2,200. The prices vary depending on the neighborhood, amenities, and property size. It’s always a good idea to thoroughly research and explore different options before deciding.

What are the utility costs in Long Beach?

The cost of utilities in Long Beach can fluctuate based on the season. On average, expect to pay around $150 to $200 monthly for gas, electricity, water, and internet services. However, remember that these estimates might change based on your usage and the size of your living space.

Are groceries expensive in Long Beach?

The cost of groceries in Long Beach is slightly higher than the national average. However, plenty of affordable supermarkets and farmers’ markets in the city offer a wide range of options for budget-conscious shoppers.

What about transportation costs?

Long Beach has an excellent public transportation system, which includes buses and light rails. A Metro pass for unlimited rides costs around $100 per month. If you prefer using your car, gasoline prices hover around the national average, but parking fees can increase, especially in popular areas.

How much should I budget for healthcare in Long Beach?

Healthcare costs in Long Beach are relatively high compared to the national average. It’s crucial to have health insurance to cover medical expenses. Check with your employer or explore individual plans to ensure you’re adequately protected.

What is the overall quality of life in Long Beach?

Living in Long Beach offers a fantastic quality of life. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant cultural scene, outdoor recreational opportunities, and excellent educational institutions, the city provides a fulfilling and well-rounded environment for residents.

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