Long Beach, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA: Cost of Living Comparison
Long Beach has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Long Beach | Santa Barbara | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 163 | 268 | Long Beach |
| Housing | 219 ($1,262) | 421 ($1,611) | Long Beach |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Santa Barbara |
| Food & groceries | 112 ($459) | 136 ($558) | Long Beach |
| Utilities | 160 ($394) | 261 ($758) | Long Beach |
| Healthcare | 160 ($285) | 261 ($547) | Long Beach |
| Median annual wage | 120 ($58,240) | 120 ($58,240) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach, CA or Santa Barbara, CA cheaper to live in?
Long Beach, CA is cheaper overall by about 105 index points (Long Beach, CA: 163, Santa Barbara, CA: 268; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Long Beach, CA vs Santa Barbara, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $57,050/year in Long Beach, CA and $93,800/year in Santa Barbara, CA to cover basic living costs.