Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Long Beach is 18% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $61,184 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. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Santa Barbara sits at 340 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $1,200,000 in Santa Barbara, a difference of $500,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $3,000 in Santa Barbara.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Long Beach scores 106 while Santa Barbara scores 112.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are lower than Santa Barbara (110).
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $70,819 in Santa Barbara. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Long Beach.
Amazon affiliate links