đź“Š Lifestyle Match
Visualizing the tradeoffs between Long Beach and Los Angeles
Head-to-Head Analysis
Long Beach vs Los Angeles
Detailed breakdown of cost of living, income potential, and lifestyle metrics.
đź“‹ The Details
Line-by-line data comparison.
| Category / Metric | Long Beach | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Financial Overview | ||
| Median Income | $81,606 | $79,701 |
| Unemployment Rate | 5.5% | 5.5% |
| Housing Market | ||
| Median Home Price | $895,000 | $1,002,500 |
| Price per SqFt | $615 | $616 |
| Monthly Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $2,006 |
| Housing Cost Index | 173.0 | 173.0 |
| Cost of Living | ||
| Groceries Index | 107.9 | 107.9 |
| Gas Price (Gallon) | $3.98 | $3.98 |
| Safety & Lifestyle | ||
| Violent Crime (per 100k) | 587.0 | 732.5 |
| Bachelor's Degree+ | 36.8% | 39.2% |
| Air Quality (AQI) | 52 | 52 |
Expert Verdict
AI-generated analysis based on current data.
Here is the ultimate head-to-head showdown between Long Beach and Los Angeles.
The Ultimate LA Showdown: Long Beach vs. Los Angeles
So, you’re looking at Southern California. You’ve got the sun, the scene, and the salary—but you’re torn between the beast that is Los Angeles and its scrappy, saltwater-sprayed cousin, Long Beach.
Let’s cut through the noise. This isn't just about zip codes; it’s about lifestyle, wallet weight, and how much traffic you can stomach before you lose your mind. Grab your coffee, because we’re diving deep into the data to help you pick your new home.
The Vibe Check: Metro vs. Beach Town
First things first: The energy here is different.
Los Angeles is a massive, sprawling galaxy of neighborhoods. It is fast, relentless, and glamorous. If you crave the "hustle," want to rub shoulders with the industry elite, and need access to world-class dining and nightlife at 2 AM, this is your playground. It’s a city for the ambitious, the socialites, and those who want to feel the pulse of the cultural zeitgeist.
Long Beach, on the other hand, feels like a city that actually breathes. It’s got the grit of a port town mixed with a distinct "weird art" vibe. It’s less pretentious, more community-focused, and yes—it actually has a beach you can hang out on without fighting a million tourists. It’s for people who want the Southern California lifestyle without feeling like they’re constantly running a marathon.
Who is it for?
- LA: The career-driven, the nightlife lovers, the status seekers.
- Long Beach: The creatives, the young families, the budget-conscious, and anyone who actually wants to use their surfboard.
The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Go?
Let’s talk numbers. You’re probably looking at a $100,000 salary. In most of the US, that buys you a life of luxury. Here? It gets you in the door.
First, a weird anomaly in the data: Rent (1BR) is identical at $2,006. Usually, Long Beach is cheaper. But right now, the market has leveled out. However, the type of apartment you get for that price differs. In LA, $2,006 gets you a shoebox in a "desirable" area. In Long Beach, it gets you actual square footage, maybe even a balcony with a view of the ocean.
The Housing Index for both sits at 156.3 (where the national average is 100), meaning both are brutally expensive compared to the rest of the US.
Here is the raw comparison:
đź’¸ Cost of Living Breakdown
| Category | Long Beach | Los Angeles | The Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Income | $81,606 | $79,701 | LB edges out LA slightly here. |
| Rent (1BR) | $2,006 | $2,006 | It’s a tie (for now). |
| Housing Index | 156.3 | 156.3 | Both are 56% above the US average. |
| Violent Crime | 587.0 / 100k | 732.5 / 100k | Long Beach is safer. |
| Weather | 48.0°F (Low) | 55.0°F (Low) | LB gets chillier at night. |
Purchasing Power:
If you earn $100,000 in Long Beach, you are technically slightly "richer" than your counterpart in LA because the median income is higher, suggesting a slightly more affordable baseline for locals. However, California’s state income tax will take a massive bite out of your paycheck regardless of which city you pick. We are talking roughly 9.3% on income over $66k. That is the "sunshine tax," and it hits hard.
Verdict on Cash:
Long Beach offers slightly better bang for your buck, especially if you are renting or looking to buy a starter home. You get more "local" for your dollar.
The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent
Buying a home here is a war.
Los Angeles: The median home price is a staggering $985,000. For that price, you are likely looking at a 1,200 sq. ft. bungalow that needs significant work, or a condo with a hefty HOA fee. It is a fierce seller's market. Bidding wars are standard, and cash offers wipe out regular buyers daily.
Long Beach: While the data doesn't list a specific median price, real estate trends show Long Beach is generally 10-15% cheaper than LA proper, but it’s catching up fast. You can still find homes in the $800k range, but they are vanishing. The competition here is high because it’s the "last affordable frontier" for many LA transplants.
Renting: As noted, the price is identical. However, in Long Beach, you can often find older, charming apartment buildings with character. In LA, luxury "cookie-cutter" complexes dominate the landscape.
The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life
This is where the rubber meets the road.
1. Traffic & Commute
Los Angeles: The 405 and the 10 freeways are legendary for a reason. Rush hour is a lifestyle. If you work in LA, living in Long Beach is doable (the 710 is a straight shot), but crossing the city to see friends can take hours.
Long Beach: Traffic is bad, but it’s "manageable bad." You aren't crossing 20 miles of gridlock to get to the grocery store. However, if you commute into Downtown LA, that 20-mile drive can easily take 60 to 90 minutes in peak traffic.
2. Weather
Los Angeles: The data says the low is 55.0°F. It is generally mild, warmer inland, and cooler by the coast. It is the "perfect" weather you see on TV.
Long Beach: The low is 48.0°F. Because it sits right on the Pacific, Long Beach gets the marine layer (fog) and the ocean breeze. It is often 5 to 10 degrees cooler than the inland valleys of LA. If you hate humidity or chilly nights, Long Beach might be a shock.
3. Safety
Los Angeles: Violent Crime Rate is 732.5 per 100k. This is high. You have to be street-smart. Certain neighborhoods are absolute no-gos, while others are gated fortresses.
Long Beach: Violent Crime Rate is 587.0 per 100k. That is significantly lower than LA, but still nearly double the national average. Long Beach feels safer to walk around in at night in the downtown and Belmont Shore areas than many parts of LA.
The Final Verdict
We’ve crunched the numbers, checked the vibes, and weighed the pros and cons. Here is who wins this showdown.
🏆 Winner for Families: Long Beach
Why? It’s not even close. You get better schools (on average), slightly lower crime, more community events, and actual parks. You can raise a kid here without feeling like you’re in a concrete jungle. Plus, the beach is a free babysitter.
🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Pros: Los Angeles
Why? If you are single and want to maximize your social life, career networking, and dating pool, LA is the center of the universe. Long Beach is fun, but it gets sleepy early. LA never sleeps.
🏆 Winner for Retirees: Long Beach
Why? It’s quieter, the pace is slower, and the air is cleaner (usually). You get the coastal lifestyle without the intense pretension of places like Santa Monica or Malibu.
The Final Scorecard
Before you pack the U-Haul, look at this cheat sheet.
🌴 Long Beach: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- The Beach: Actually accessible and usable.
- Safety: Statistically safer than LA.
- Vibe: "Blue-collar cool" meets artsy.
- Walkability: Downtown LB and the Shore are very walkable.
- Value: Slightly more house/apt for your money.
CONS:
- The Port: Huge ships, diesel fumes, and industrial zones.
- The "LB Way": Bureaucracy here is notoriously slow.
- Weather: It gets gray and foggy (June Gloom).
- Distance: You are south of the action.
🌆 Los Angeles: Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Opportunity: Every job, industry, and connection is here.
- Culture: Museums, concerts, food—it is world-class.
- Variety: 80+ neighborhoods means there is a "tribe" for everyone.
- Prestige: Let's be honest, saying "I live in Los Angeles" carries weight.
CONS:
- Traffic: It will steal your soul.
- Cost: The highest in the nation alongside NYC/SF.
- Crime: High rates require constant vigilance.
- Transience: People come and go; it’s hard to build deep roots.
The Bottom Line
If you want a career and a scene, take the Los Angeles gamble.
If you want a life and a home, make the Long Beach move.