Is Long Beach or San Jose more affordable?
Long Beach has a median rent of $1,800/month, while San Jose is $2,500/month. Long Beach is more affordable for renters.
City comparison
Long Beach, CA vs San Jose, CA
Side-by-side comparison of cost of living, taxes, climate, and quality of life between Long Beach and San Jose.
3
Long Beach wins
of 5 metrics
tracked
1
San Jose wins
CA
Long Beach
vs
CA
San Jose
Overview
466,742
Population
1,013,240
$61,988
Median Income
+89.5%$117,474✓
Cost of Living
$1,800✓
Median Rent / mo
+38.9%$2,500
$680,000✓
Median Home Price
+61.8%$1,100,000
35%
Rent-to-Income %
26%
Taxes
9.30%
State Income Tax
9.30%
10.25%
Local Tax Rate
9.38%
Climate & Weather
71°F
Avg High Temp
70°F
57°F
Avg Low Temp
50°F
287 days✓
Sunny Days / Year
257 days
13"
Annual Rainfall
15"
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 Jose, CA
San Jose is a city in California with a population of 1,013,240.
Read full San Jose guide →Long Beach vs San Jose — Common Questions
Which city has lower taxes — Long Beach or San Jose?
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 Jose?
Long Beach gets 287 sunny days/year. San Jose gets 257 sunny days/year. Avg high in Long Beach: 71°F. Avg high in San Jose: 70°F
Which city is better for families — Long Beach or San Jose?
Long Beach. San Jose. 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.