Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
Long Beach is 13% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $65,309 in Long Beach.
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. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $350,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Irvine scores 108 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are higher than Long Beach (103).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Long Beach.
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