Salary And Cost Of Living In Long Beach CA

Long Beach, CA is a vibrant coastal city in Los Angeles County known for its diverse neighborhoods, busy port, and growing job market. As more professionals and families consider relocating, understanding the salary expectations and cost of living in Long Beach, California becomes essential. From average wages and housing prices to rental rates, neighborhoods, and schools, the city offers a mix of opportunities and challenges that vary by area and lifestyle. The following guide provides a detailed overview to help you evaluate whether Long Beach, CA fits your financial and personal goals.

Average Salary In Long Beach CA

When evaluating the average salary in Long Beach, CA, it is helpful to look across different industries and experience levels. Long Beach benefits from its proximity to Los Angeles, a world-class port, and a strong healthcare and education sector. Overall, salaries tend to be competitive with the greater Los Angeles region, though they must be viewed in the context of local housing and living expenses.

Below is an approximate overview of typical annual salaries for common roles in Long Beach, CA:

Job Category (Long Beach, CA)	Typical Annual Salary Range
Administrative / Office Support	$40,000 – $55,000
Registered Nurse	$90,000 – $125,000
Public School Teacher	$65,000 – $95,000
Port / Logistics Coordinator	$60,000 – $85,000
Software / IT Professional	$95,000 – $140,000+
Retail / Hospitality Worker	$32,000 – $45,000
Mid-Level Manager	$80,000 – $120,000

For many residents, a household income in the range of $90,000 to $120,000 is often needed to live comfortably in Long Beach, CA, especially if you plan to rent a larger unit or purchase a home. However, singles and couples with more modest housing needs can manage with lower incomes, particularly by choosing more affordable neighborhoods and carefully managing transportation and discretionary costs.

Cost Of Living In Long Beach CA

The cost of living in Long Beach, California is generally higher than the national average, but somewhat more attainable than some of the most expensive Westside areas of Los Angeles. Housing is the primary driver of expenses, followed by transportation, healthcare, and food. Because Long Beach is a car-friendly city with pockets of walkability, your cost of living can vary depending on whether you commute by car, public transit, or a combination of both.

The following table compares an estimated cost-of-living index in Long Beach, CA to the U.S. average (where 100 represents the national baseline):

Category (Long Beach, CA)	Estimated Index	Comment
Overall Cost Of Living	145	About 45% higher than U.S. average
Housing	190	Primary cost driver for Long Beach residents
Groceries	115	Moderately higher than national average
Transportation	130	Gas and insurance raise costs
Healthcare	105	Slightly above national norms
Utilities	110	Relatively mild climate helps moderate energy use

Monthly budgets can vary significantly. A single professional renting a one-bedroom apartment in Long Beach, CA might expect total monthly expenses (rent, utilities, transportation, groceries, and essentials) in the $3,000 to $3,800 range. A family of four in a larger rental or starter home could see monthly costs rise to $5,500 to $7,000 or more, depending on neighborhood, childcare, and educational choices.

Average Home Values And Rents In Long Beach CA

The real estate market in Long Beach, CA has experienced substantial appreciation over the last decade, driven by demand for coastal living and proximity to job centers. While prices are high relative to many U.S. cities, Long Beach can still be more affordable than some coastal communities in Los Angeles and Orange Counties.

Below is a general snapshot of average home values and rents in Long Beach, California as of recent market conditions:

Housing Type (Long Beach, CA)	Typical Price / Rent Range
Median Single-Family Home Value	$800,000 – $900,000+
Condominium / Townhome	$550,000 – $750,000
Studio Apartment Rent	$1,700 – $2,100 per month
1-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$1,900 – $2,500 per month
2-Bedroom Apartment Rent	$2,400 – $3,200 per month
Single-Family Home Rent	$3,200 – $4,500+ per month

Waterfront and highly walkable neighborhoods in Long Beach, CA command premiums, especially areas near the ocean, downtown attractions, and popular retail corridors. Buyers and renters can often reduce costs by looking slightly inland or north, while still enjoying convenient access to freeways and local amenities.

Best Neighborhoods In Long Beach CA

Long Beach is a city of distinct districts, each with its own character, housing styles, and price points. When balancing salary, lifestyle, and cost of living in Long Beach, CA, choosing the right neighborhood is crucial. Below is a brief guide to some of the most sought-after areas.

Neighborhood (Long Beach, CA)	Highlights	Typical Housing Costs
Belmont Shore / Belmont Heights	Beachside living, lively dining and shopping, popular with professionals and families.	Higher home prices; rents often above $2,800 for 2-bed units.
Bixby Knolls	Tree-lined streets, strong community feel, boutiques and eateries, convenient freeway access.	Single-family homes commonly in the $850,000+ range; moderate-to-high rents.
Downtown Long Beach	High-rise and mid-rise living, walkable to offices, nightlife, and the waterfront.	Condos and apartments vary widely; 1-bed rents often $2,000–$2,700.
Alamitos Beach	Historic apartments and condos near the shoreline, urban environment, vibrant atmosphere.	Rents somewhat lower than Belmont Shore, with older buildings offering value.
Los Altos	Suburban feel, single-family homes, near California State University Long Beach.	Popular with families; home prices often in the mid-to-high $800,000s.

Choosing the best neighborhood in Long Beach, CA depends on your salary level, commuting needs, and desired lifestyle. For example, residents working downtown may prioritize condos in the city center, while families seeking yards and quieter streets may gravitate toward Bixby Knolls, Los Altos, or the eastern sections of the city.

Schools And Education In Long Beach CA

The Long Beach Unified School District (LBUSD) serves most of the city and is recognized as one of the more innovative urban districts in California. The presence of California State University, Long Beach (CSULB), several community colleges, and private schools also influences the overall educational landscape and can factor into where residents choose to live.

The table below offers a simplified overview of educational options in Long Beach, CA:

Type Of School (Long Beach, CA)	Examples / Notes
Public Elementary And Middle Schools	Many neighborhood schools under LBUSD; performance varies by area, with some campuses earning strong ratings and specialized programs.
Public High Schools	Includes Long Beach Polytechnic High School, Wilson High School, and others, some offering AP, IB, or magnet programs.
Magnet And Specialty Programs	STEM, arts, and college-prep tracks that attract students from across the city.
Private And Parochial Schools	Various K–12 options cater to families seeking religious or independent education.
Higher Education	California State University, Long Beach; Long Beach City College; and nearby institutions in the greater Los Angeles area.

Because school quality in Long Beach, CA can affect both housing prices and overall cost of living, many families factor school ratings and program availability into their neighborhood search. Areas known for stronger schools often see higher home values and more competitive rental markets.

Living In Long Beach CA Balancing Salary And Lifestyle

Understanding salary and cost of living in Long Beach, CA is essential when deciding whether to relocate, accept a new job, or move between neighborhoods. While housing and transportation costs can be significant, the city offers considerable advantages: a coastal location, access to jobs in logistics, healthcare, education, and technology, and a lively mix of cultural and recreational amenities.

By carefully aligning your expected income with housing choices, commuting patterns, and neighborhood preferences, you can create a sustainable and rewarding lifestyle in Long Beach, California. Whether you prefer a beach-adjacent apartment, a historic home in a walkable district, or a suburban-style neighborhood near top-rated schools, Long Beach, CA provides a range of options for professionals, students, and families alike.