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San Francisco vs Long Beach: Full Comparison

Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data

Quick Answer

San Francisco is 27% more expensive than Long Beach. Long Beach is 53% safer. San Francisco population: 826,079. Long Beach population: 450,469.

Which city is better for you?

Cost of LivingLong Beach
SafetyLong Beach
HousingLong Beach

Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.

Cost of Living: San Francisco vs Long Beach

Long Beach is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 150 vs 190 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 40 index points.

CategorySan FranciscoLong Beach
Overall Index190150
Housing$5,518/moIndex: 310$4,183/moIndex: 235
Groceries$484/moIndex: 118$439/moIndex: 107
Transportation$420/moIndex: 120$403/moIndex: 115
Healthcare$368/moIndex: 115$339/moIndex: 106
Utilities$220/moIndex: 100$209/moIndex: 95

Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.

Safety: San Francisco vs Long Beach

Long Beach is 53% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Long Beach earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Francisco's F. Based on 2023 FBI data.

F

San Francisco

California

Overall GradeF
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeF
Crime Rate49.5/1K
TrendImproving
C+

Long Beach

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.2/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricSan FranciscoLong Beach
Overall Crime Rate49.5/1K23.2/1K
Violent Crime Rate450.0407.8
Property Crime Rate4500.01911.2
Murder Rate6.88.0
Assault Rate288.5286.3
Robbery Rate61.063.1
Burglary Rate699.8244.1
Theft Rate3660.41294.8
Vehicle Theft Rate1091.0276.5

Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).

Victim Odds

In San Francisco, you have a 1 in 20 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Long Beach.

Climate Comparison

Climate data is only available for San Francisco. A full comparison requires both cities.

San Francisco Climate Overview

Annual High64.1°F
Annual Low51°F
Annual Rain22.2"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months9
Best MonthSeptember
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
Comfortable

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Francisco cheaper than Long Beach?
Long Beach is 27% more affordable than San Francisco, with a cost of living index of 150 vs 190 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $5,518/mo in San Francisco vs $4,183/mo in Long Beach.
Is San Francisco safer than Long Beach?
Long Beach is 53% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs San Francisco's 49.5. Long Beach earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to San Francisco or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach is safer (C+ grade). Long Beach is more affordable (index 150 vs 190). San Francisco has a population of 826,079 and Long Beach has 450,469. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is San Francisco compared to Long Beach?
San Francisco has a population of 826,079 and Long Beach has 450,469. San Francisco is 83% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in San Francisco or Long Beach?
Housing is cheaper in Long Beach. Estimated monthly housing costs: San Francisco $5,518/mo vs Long Beach $4,183/mo. That's based on a housing index of 310 vs 235 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

F
San Francisco Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
C+
Long Beach Safety ReportFull crime breakdown and trends
Salary CalculatorClimate Compare ToolSafety Comparison Tool

Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.

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