How does Long Beach’s cost of living compare to the national average?

Long Beach has a cost‑of‑living index of 142, meaning it is roughly 42 % more expensive than the U.S. average, which is set at 100. This higher index reflects elevated housing costs, transportation, groceries, and other everyday expenses. Your projected annual salary of $89,000 is above the national median, which can offset the higher costs, but you should still expect to allocate a larger portion of your income to rent and related bills. Use a cost‑of‑living calculator that incorporates the index to compare your current expenses with what you’ll face in Long Beach.