Long Beach offers beaches, mild weather, and a tight-knit coastal community but it’s worth understanding what it actually costs to live there before making it home. This guide breaks down typical housing, food, transportation, healthcare, and lifestyle costs for 2026, whether you’re considering a move or just want to budget more realistically.
Randall Wealth Management Group, a financial advisor in Long Beach, works with residents throughout this coastal community to help build financial plans that reflect the actual cost of living here, not just national averages. For a broader look at how Long Beach compares to the wider region, see our companion guide on the cost of living in Los Angeles.
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–$1.900 |
| 1-bedroom apartment | $1.700–$2.300 |
| 2-bedroom apartment | $2.300–$3.400 |
| 3-bedroom apartment | $3.000–$4.200+ |
Estimates vary somewhat by source, recent data from Apartments.com and Steadily puts the citywide studio average around $1,420 to $1,460 and one-bedrooms around $1,700 to $1,900, while RentCafe reports a higher citywide average closer to $2,690 across all unit types, reflecting a broader mix of newer, larger units. The ranges above reflect a reasonable typical band across these sources.
Different neighborhoods offer different vibes and price points. Belmont Shore and Naples Island tend to run pricier given their beach proximity. Downtown tends to offer more urban living with a mix of newer luxury buildings and older, more affordable options. Bixby Knolls and California Heights tend to offer a more residential feel with somewhat lower prices than beachfront areas.
For those considering buying, single-family homes in Long Beach typically start around $700,000 and can run well above $1.5 million in premium areas, Zillow places the average home value around $789,000, while Redfin reports a median sale price closer to $905,000 as of early 2026, noting Long Beach’s median sale price runs roughly 107% above the national average. 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 fares generally run $1.25 per ride. Per Long Beach Transit’s official fare page, EZ Transit Passes (which cover Long Beach Transit and other regional agencies via TAP card) can be purchased monthly. The Metro A Line (formerly the Blue Line), which connects Long Beach to Downtown LA, runs $1.75 per ride; LA Metro itself has moved toward a fare-capping system rather than a flat monthly pass, generally capping costs at $5 per day or $18 per week regardless of how many rides are taken (Source: LA Metro Fares), worth noting if you’re commuting into LA regularly. For more on getting around the broader region, see our guide on cost of living in Los Angeles.
Many Long Beach neighborhoods are bike-friendly, and areas like Downtown, Belmont Shore, and Bixby Knolls tend to have good walkability. Using a bike or walking for shorter trips can meaningfully reduce 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
Planning Ahead: Why Local Cost of Living Matters for Your Financial Plan
Living in a higher-cost coastal city like Long Beach generally means your retirement income needs may run above national averages, a topic covered in more depth in our guide to average retirement income. Housing costs in particular tend to persist into retirement, so planning around your actual local cost of living, rather than a national rule of thumb, can help avoid surprises down the line.
A few areas worth reviewing with a financial advisor in Long Beach as part of a broader plan:
• Income planning — sequencing withdrawals and income sources to support a Long Beach-area budget
• Retirement planning — building toward a savings target that reflects local costs
• Investment management — keeping a portfolio allocation aligned with your timeline and risk tolerance
• Social Security analysis — reviewing claiming strategy in light of your overall income plan
• Estate planning — keeping beneficiary designations and documents current
• Life insurance services in Long Beach — reviewing whether current coverage still fits your situation
Conclusion
Living in Long Beach generally costs more than many U.S. cities, but for many residents, the quality of life — beaches, weather, community — can make it worthwhile. The key tends to be building a realistic budget based on your actual income and priorities rather than assuming national averages apply.
If you’re unsure where to start with budgeting, saving, or planning for the future, Trevor Randall, a Certified Financial Planner® and financial advisor in Long Beach, and the team at Randall Wealth Management Group can help you build a financial plan tailored to your goals and lifestyle — one that accounts for what it actually costs to live in this coastal community. If your plans extend into the wider LA area, our financial advisor in Los Angeles team can help there as well.
Call (562) 552-3367 or contact us to talk through your situation and build a plan that fits your life in Long Beach.
