Quick answer
Long Beach costs $770/month less overall ($2,615 vs $3,385/mo). Long Beach also has lower state income tax (9.3% vs Up to 13.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs San Francisco
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
Long Beach vs San Francisco at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 ✓ | $3,800 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 ✓ | $3,800 |
| Median Home Price | $825K ✓ | $1100K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $125 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 ✓ | $460 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 ✓ | $3,385 |
| Walk Score | 76/100 | 88/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 72/100 | 80/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% ✓ | Up to 13.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Long Beach's 1BR averages $2,050/month vs $2,800 in San Francisco — a $750/month difference, or $9,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Long Beach charges 9.3% state income tax vs Up to 13.3% in San Francisco. On an $80K salary that's a $3,200/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $15,960 vs $11,160 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Long Beach are $825K vs $1100K in San Francisco. At a 20% down payment, that's a $55,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $40 more per month than San Francisco. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
San Francisco, CA
San Francisco's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
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.
San Francisco
Mild year-round (55–65°F); famous summer fog; no snow; rainy Nov–Mar
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
San Francisco top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to San Francisco if…
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a biotech professionals
- →You're a high earners
- →You're a urban walkability seekers
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or San Francisco cheaper to live in?
Long Beach is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,615 in Long Beach vs $3,385 in San Francisco — a $770/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or San Francisco?
San Francisco is more walkable with a Walk Score of 88/100 vs 76/100. Long Beach is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs San Francisco: which has lower state income tax?
Long Beach has lower state income tax (9.3%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,200/year vs San Francisco (Up to 13.3%).
Is Long Beach or San Francisco better for buying a home?
Long Beach has lower median home prices at $825K vs $1100K in San Francisco — a $275,000 difference on the median home.