Long Beach, CA vs Santa Monica, 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 Monica | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 163 | 320 | Long Beach |
| Housing | 219 ($1,262) | 520 ($1,637) | Long Beach |
| Transportation | 106 ($3.50) | 105 ($3.50) | Santa Monica |
| Food & groceries | 112 ($459) | 147 ($603) | Long Beach |
| Utilities | 160 ($394) | 310 ($936) | Long Beach |
| Healthcare | 160 ($285) | 310 ($676) | 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 Monica, CA cheaper to live in?
Long Beach, CA is cheaper overall by about 157 index points (Long Beach, CA: 163, Santa Monica, CA: 320; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Long Beach, CA vs Santa Monica, CA?
A single adult needs roughly $57,050/year in Long Beach, CA and $112,000/year in Santa Monica, CA to cover basic living costs.