Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Burlington is 24% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $57,097 in Burlington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Vermont salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Burlington has a housing index of 139 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Burlington costs $380,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Burlington versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Burlington scores 108 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Burlington (116) are higher than Long Beach (103).
Median household income in Burlington is $51,098 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Burlington.
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