Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
24% cheaper
Denver is 24% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $57,097 in Denver.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $180,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are higher than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Denver.
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