Is Long Beach or San Diego more affordable?
Long Beach has a median rent of $1,800/month, while San Diego is $2,100/month. Long Beach is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Long Beach, CA vs San Diego, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Long Beach and San Diego.
3
Long Beach wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Diego wins
CA
Long Beach
vs
CA
San Diego
Overview
466,742
Population
1,386,932
$61,988
Median Income
+28.5%$79,685✓
Cost of Living
$1,800✓
Median Rent / mo
+16.7%$2,100
$680,000✓
Median Home Price
+14.7%$780,000
35%
Rent-to-Income %
32%
Taxes
9.30%
State Income Tax
9.30%
10.25%
Local Tax Rate
7.75%
Climate & Weather
71°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
57°F
Avg Low Temp
55°F
287 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
266 days
13"
Annual Rainfall
12"
Who should choose
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach is a city in California with a population of 466,742.
Read full Long Beach guide →Who should choose
San Diego, CA
San Diego is a city in California with a population of 1,386,932.
Read full San Diego guide →Long Beach vs San Diego — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Long Beach or San Diego?
California has a 9.30% state income tax. California has a 9.30% state income tax. Both have the same state income tax rate.
What is the weather difference between Long Beach and San Diego?
Long Beach gets 287 sunny days/year. San Diego gets 266 sunny days/year. Avg high in Long Beach: 71°F. Avg high in San Diego: 70°F
Which city is better for families — Long Beach or San Diego?
Long Beach. San Diego. The right choice depends on your priorities — income, affordability, taxes, and climate all play a role.
More city comparisons
Data sourced from U.S. Census Bureau, Bureau of Labor Statistics, and NOAA. Green values indicate a better outcome for that metric.