Quick answer
Chicago costs $220/month less overall ($2,395 vs $2,615/mo). Chicago also has lower state income tax (4.95% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Chicago vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Chicago vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Chicago | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,850 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,350 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $340K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $155 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $390 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,395 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 78/100 ✓ | 76/100 |
| Transit Score | 65/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% ✓ | 9.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Chicago's 1BR averages $1,850/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $200/month difference, or $2,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Chicago charges 4.95% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,480/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $5,940 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Chicago are $340K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $97,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $10 more per month than Chicago.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Chicago, IL
Chicago's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Chicago
Four true seasons; brutal winters (wind chills below -20°F common); outstanding summers
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Chicago top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Chicago if…
- →You're a urban explorers
- →You're a foodies
- →You're a architecture lovers
- →You're a transit users
- →You're a theater fans
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Chicago or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Chicago is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,395 in Chicago vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $220/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Chicago or Long Beach?
Chicago is more walkable with a Walk Score of 78/100 vs 76/100. Long Beach is more car-dependent.
Chicago vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Chicago has lower state income tax (4.95%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,480/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Chicago or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Chicago has lower median home prices at $340K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $485,000 difference on the median home.