Living in Long Beach means enjoying beautiful beaches, fantastic weather, and a vibrant community. But what does it actually cost to call this coastal Southern California city home? Let’s break down the numbers so you can plan your finances realistically, whether you’re thinking about moving here or just trying to get your budget in order.
Housing: Your Biggest Expense
Housing takes the biggest bite out of most Long Beach budgets. Prices vary widely depending on the neighborhood and property type.
Typical Monthly Rent
| Housing Type | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Studio Apartment | $1.500–$1.800 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $1.800–$2.300 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $2.400–$3.200 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | $3.000–$4.000+ |
Different neighborhoods offer different vibes and price points. Belmont Shore and Naples Island tend to be pricier due to their beach proximity. Downtown offers more urban living with a mix of new luxury apartments and older buildings. Bixby Knolls and California Heights provide a more residential feel with slightly lower prices than beachfront areas.
If you’re looking to buy, single-family homes typically start around $700,000 and can easily exceed $1.5 million in premium areas. Condos generally range from $400,000 to $800,000, depending on size, location, and amenities.
Utilities & Internet: The Basics
Basic utilities in Long Beach will add several hundred dollars to your monthly expenses:
- Electricity: $80-150 (higher in summer with A/C use)
- Water/sewer/trash: $80-120
- Internet: $50-100
- Cell phone: $50-100 per person
- Gas: $30-60 (higher in winter)
A single person might budget around $300 monthly for utilities, while a family could expect $400-500. Southern California Edison provides electricity, and rates increase with usage, so energy efficiency pays off.
Food & Groceries: Eating In and Out
Grocery costs in Long Beach run about 10-15% higher than the national average. A single person typically spends $350-450 monthly on groceries, while a family of four might spend $800-1,200.
Some typical grocery prices:
- Gallon of milk: $4.50
- Dozen eggs: $5-6
- Loaf of bread: $4-5
- Pound of chicken breast: $5-7
- Pound of ground beef: $6-8
Eating out costs add up quickly. Budget around $15-20 per person for casual dining, $30-50 for mid-range restaurants, and $75+ for upscale dining. Coffee shops charge $5-7 for specialty drinks.
Money-saving tip: Check out local farmers’ markets for fresh produce, often at better prices than supermarkets. The Downtown Long Beach market on Fridays and the Marina market on Sundays are local favorites.
Getting Around: Transportation Costs
Transportation costs vary based on your lifestyle and commute:
Car ownership:
- Gas: $150-250 monthly (depending on commute)
- Insurance: $100-200 monthly (higher than the national average)
- Parking: Free in many residential areas, but downtown parking can cost $100-200 monthly
- Registration/maintenance: About $75-100 monthly when averaged annually
Public transportation:
- Long Beach Transit bus: $1.25 per ride or $65 monthly pass
- Metro A Line (formerly Blue Line): $1.75 per ride or $100 monthly pass
Many Long Beach neighborhoods are bike-friendly, and the city has good walking scores in areas like Downtown, Belmont Shore, and Bixby Knolls. Using bikes or walking for short trips can significantly cut transportation costs.
Healthcare: Insurance and Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Healthcare costs depend largely on your insurance situation:
- Employer-provided insurance: Your monthly premium might range from $100-500, depending on coverage level and employer contribution
- Individual plans through Covered California: $300-700 monthly for a single adult (before subsidies)
- Medicare premiums: Around $170 monthly for basic coverage
Beyond premiums, budget for copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. A typical family might set aside $200-400 monthly for these expenses.
Entertainment & Extras: Enjoying Life
Long Beach offers countless ways to enjoy your free time without breaking the bank. The city’s unique blend of urban and beach culture creates entertainment options for every budget and interest.
Fitness Options Gym memberships vary widely:
- Budget gyms like Planet Fitness: $10-25 monthly
- Mid-range options like 24 Hour Fitness: $30-50 monthly
- Boutique fitness studios (yoga, CrossFit, etc.): $100-200 monthly
- Drop-in fitness classes: $15-25 per class
Many locals skip the gym membership altogether and use the beach for running, the outdoor fitness equipment at Belmont Shore, or the stairs at Bluff Park for workouts.
Cultural Experiences Long Beach has a vibrant arts scene:
- Museum of Latin American Art: $10 admission (free on Sundays)
- Long Beach Museum of Art: $12 admission (free on Thursdays)
- Aquarium of the Pacific: $37 for adults (look for resident discount days)
- 2nd Saturday Art Walk: Free monthly event in the East Village Arts District
Nightlife & Social Activities The city offers diverse nightlife options:
- Craft beer at local breweries: $7-9 per beer
- Cocktails at trendy bars: $12-16 each
- Live music venues: $10-30 cover charges
- Comedy shows: $15-25 tickets
Happy hours can significantly reduce these costs, with many places offering $5-7 drinks and discounted appetizers between 3-7pm.
Shopping & Personal Care Budget for occasional personal expenses:
- Haircut: $25-50 (basic cut) to $75-150+ (high-end salon)
- Manicure/pedicure: $35-80
- Clothing and personal items: $100-300 monthly, depending on needs and preferences
Subscription Services Most households budget for various subscriptions:
- Streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, etc.): $10-20 each
- Music services: $10-15 monthly
- Amazon Prime: $15 monthly or $139 annually
- Subscription boxes: $20-50 monthly
These small monthly charges add up quickly, so it’s worth reviewing which ones you actually use regularly.
Special Occasions & Holidays Don’t forget to budget for:
- Birthday gifts and celebrations: $50-100 per occasion
- Holiday shopping: $500-1,000 annually, when averaged monthly
- Vacations: $1,000-3,000+ annually (set aside $100-250 monthly)
Family-Specific Expenses
For families with children, Long Beach offers many activities:
- Kids classes (dance, martial arts, music): $60-120 monthly per activity
- Sports leagues: $100-300 per season
- Birthday parties: $200-500 each
- School field trips and activities: $20-50 each
Childcare costs deserve special attention as they represent a major expense:
- Daycare centers: $1,200-1,800 monthly for full-time infant care
- Preschools: $800-1,500 monthly
- After-school programs: $300-600 monthly
- Babysitting: $15-25 hourly
Many families in Long Beach get creative with childcare arrangements, forming co-ops with neighbors or coordinating with family members to reduce these costs.
Pet Expenses Animal lovers should budget for their furry friends:
- Dog walking services: $15-25 per walk
- Pet insurance: $30-60 monthly
- Grooming: $50-100 per session
- Vet visits: $50-100 for routine visits, $500+ for emergencies
- Pet supplies and food: $50-100 monthly
Sample Monthly Budgets
Budget 1: Single Person, Modest Lifestyle
Total: $3,400/month (about $40,800 annually)
Rent (studio apartment): $1,600 This gets you a studio (450-550 sq ft) in areas like Rose Park or Wrigley. Expect an older building with basic amenities in a walkable neighborhood.
Utilities: $250 Covers basic electricity, water/trash, internet, and cell phone. You’ll need to be mindful of energy usage, especially during summer months.
Groceries: $350 Shopping at grocery outlets and ethnic markets helps stretch this budget. You’ll cook most meals at home, with simple breakfasts, packed lunches, and home-cooked dinners 5-6 nights weekly.
Dining out: $200 Allows for 8-10 casual meals monthly ($15-20 each), a couple of weekly coffee shop visits, and perhaps one nicer restaurant meal. Happy hours become essential for socializing on a budget.
Transportation: $300 Assumes a paid-off vehicle with good gas mileage. Covers gas, insurance, and maintenance. You’ll walk or bike for shorter trips to save on fuel.
Healthcare: $200 Covers employer-subsidized health insurance premium plus occasional copays and medications. You’ll need to be selective about non-urgent care.
Entertainment: $200 Focuses on free or low-cost activities like beach days and community events. Includes a basic gym membership, occasional movies, and perhaps one night out monthly with friends.
Savings/miscellaneous: $300 Covers clothing, personal care items, home supplies, and small emergencies. Ideally, half goes to savings, though that’s challenging on this budget.
Reality check: This budget requires careful planning and limited splurges. You’ll need to earn at least $25-30/hour full-time to make this work after taxes.
Budget 2: Couple, Comfortable Lifestyle
Total: $5,350/month (about $64,200 annually)
Rent (1-bedroom): $2,100 Affords a nicer 1-bedroom (700-900 sq ft) in desirable neighborhoods like Belmont Heights or Downtown. Expect updated features and some building amenities.
Utilities: $350 Covers all basic utilities for two people without requiring strict monitoring of usage.
Groceries: $600 Shopping at standard supermarkets, Trader Joe’s, and farmers markets. You can afford more variety and higher-quality ingredients, including some organic produce and specialty items.
Dining out: $500 Allows for 2-3 casual meals out weekly, plus 2-3 nicer restaurant experiences monthly. Regular coffee shop visits and occasional food delivery fit this budget.
Transportation: $500 Covers costs for one or two modest vehicles. Some couples might include one car payment in this amount, though that would require cutting back elsewhere.
Healthcare: $400 Covers insurance for two people plus regular medical expenses. You won’t need to delay addressing health concerns for financial reasons.
Entertainment: $400 Allows for gym memberships, regular movies or events, hobby supplies, and several nights out monthly. You can maintain multiple streaming subscriptions.
Savings/miscellaneous: $500 Covers personal needs plus unexpected expenses. You can shop at mid-range retailers without waiting for sales, and should be able to save at least $300 monthly.
Reality check: To support this budget after taxes, the couple would need a combined income of approximately $85,000-95,000 annually.
Budget 3: Family of Four, Middle-Class Lifestyle
Total: $9,350/month (about $112,200 annually)
Rent/mortgage (3-bedroom): $3,500 Gets you a 3-bedroom apartment or small house in family-friendly neighborhoods like Los Altos or Bixby Knolls, with outdoor space and good schools nearby.
Utilities: $450 Covers higher utility usage for a family of four without requiring strict monitoring.
Groceries: $1,000 Regular shopping at supermarkets with occasional Costco trips. Allows for healthy options, some organic items, and kid-friendly foods for packed lunches and family dinners.
Dining out: $600 Covers 1-2 family meals out weekly, occasional takeout, and perhaps one “parents’ night out” monthly at a nicer restaurant.
Transportation: $700 Assumes two vehicles with at least one car payment, plus gas, insurance, and maintenance for family transportation needs.
Healthcare: $600 Covers family health insurance through an employer, plus regular medical expenses for four people, including pediatrician visits.
Childcare/activities: $1,500 Includes after-school care, sports or activity fees, occasional babysitting, and summer camps (when averaged monthly).
Entertainment: $300 Covers family-friendly activities like movies, bowling, or arcade visits, plus streaming services. Much of your entertainment will utilize free options like parks and beaches.
Savings/miscellaneous: $700 Covers clothing for growing children, household supplies, gifts, and school expenses. Ideally, $300-400 goes to savings, including college funds.
Reality check: To support this budget after taxes, the family would need a combined income of approximately $150,000-170,000 annually.
Smart Ways to Save in Long Beach
Housing savings:
- Consider neighborhoods like North Long Beach, Wrigley, or Rose Park for more affordable rent
- Find a roommate to split costs
- Look for older buildings, which often have lower rent than new developments
Food savings:
- Shop at grocery outlets like Grocery Outlet Bargain Market or Food 4 Less
- Use the Long Beach farmers’ markets for produce
- Take advantage of happy hours at local restaurants
Transportation savings:
- Use Long Beach’s bike share program
- Combine public transit with ridesharing for occasional trips
- Look for monthly parking deals if you need a car
Conclusion
Living in Long Beach costs more than many U.S. cities, but the quality of life makes it worth it for many residents. The key is creating a realistic budget based on your income and priorities.
If you’re unsure where to start with budgeting, saving, or planning your future, reach out to Trevor Randall, a Certified Financial Planner® in Long Beach. Their experienced financial advisors can help you create a custom financial plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle, so you can enjoy everything Long Beach has to offer without overspending.
