Long Beach, CA vs San Jose, CA

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Long Beach is 27.3% cheaper than San Jose. With a cost index of 157 vs 216, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Long Beach to San Jose should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month compared to $2,617/month in San Jose — a 31% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Long Beach is more affordable at $762,200 median vs $1,187,800.

Median household income in Long Beach is $83,969 compared to $141,565 in San Jose (-40.7%). While San Jose is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Long Beach spend roughly 25.8% of their income on rent, more than the 22.2% in San Jose.

Climate-wise, Long Beach is notably warmer with an average of 64.9°F compared to 60.7°F in San Jose. San Jose receives more rainfall at 13.5" per year compared to 12" in Long Beach.