Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
28% cheaper
Modesto is 28% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $54,194 in Modesto.
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. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Modesto sits at 121 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $380,000 in Modesto, a difference of $320,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,400 in Modesto.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Long Beach scores 106 while Modesto scores 100.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are higher than Modesto (100). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $55,138 in Modesto. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Modesto.
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