Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
31% cheaper
Chicago is 31% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $51,774 in Chicago.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Illinois salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Chicago has a housing index of 112 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Chicago costs $310,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $390,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Chicago versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Chicago scores 104 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Chicago (101) are lower than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Chicago is $62,097 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Chicago.
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