Long Beach vs Racine
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Long Beach
Racine
💡 The Verdict
Racine is 39% cheaper than Long Beach overall. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $45,484 in Racine.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Long Beach (left) vs Racine (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Long Beach versus Racine. Differences shown from Long Beach perspective.
| Item | Long Beach | Racine | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,580/mo | $690/mo | +$890.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $2,200/mo | $980/mo | +$1220.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $2,950/mo | $1,330/mo | +$1620.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $3.14 | $2.76 | +$0.38 |
| Milk (gallon) | $4.19 | $3.48 | +$0.71 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $3.34 | $3.05 | +$0.29 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.87 | $5.38 | +$0.49 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.71 | $3.08 | +$0.63 |
| Restaurant Meal | $20.86 | $13.00 | +$7.86 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Long Beach has the same purchasing power as $45,484 in Racine.
Conversely, $75,000 in Racine equals $123,670 in Long Beach.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $675 difference is driven by California having a higher state income tax rate. California details → · Wisconsin details →
Reading These Numbers: Long Beach (155) vs Racine (94)
Long Beach at 155 is 55% above the US average, while Racine at 94 is 6% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Long Beach, the composite index of 155 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 236, followed by groceries (106), utilities (114), transportation (118), and healthcare (103). Housing is the primary cost driver here.
For renters: With median rents of $2,200/mo in Long Beach and $980/mo in Racine, the annual rent difference is approximately $14,640.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $73,200.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $436,000.0 difference in median home prices between Long Beach and Racine translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Long Beach vs Racine
Choosing between Long Beach and Racine involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Long Beach and Racine can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.