Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Salt Lake City is 31% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $51,774 in Salt Lake City.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Utah salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Salt Lake City sits at 120 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $440,000 in Salt Lake City, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,500 in Salt Lake City.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Long Beach scores 106 while Salt Lake City scores 99.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are higher than Salt Lake City (97). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $60,590 in Salt Lake City. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Salt Lake City.
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