Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Fresno is 31% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $51,774 in Fresno.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Fresno scores 101 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Fresno.
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