Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Long Beach is 4% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $71,759 in Long Beach.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) are higher than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Long Beach.
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