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San Jose vs Long Beach: Full Comparison

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

Quick Answer

San Jose is 20% more expensive than Long Beach. Long Beach is 10% safer. San Jose population: 989,814. 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 Jose vs Long Beach

Long Beach is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 150 vs 180 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 30 index points.

CategorySan JoseLong Beach
Overall Index180150
Housing$5,251/moIndex: 295$4,183/moIndex: 235
Groceries$472/moIndex: 115$439/moIndex: 107
Transportation$403/moIndex: 115$403/moIndex: 115
Healthcare$358/moIndex: 112$339/moIndex: 106
Utilities$216/moIndex: 98$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 Jose vs Long Beach

Long Beach is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs San Jose's 25.9. Long Beach earns a C+ safety grade compared to San Jose's C+. Based on 2023 FBI data.

C+

San Jose

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC
Property CrimeC+
Crime Rate25.9/1K
TrendDeclining
C+

Long Beach

California

Overall GradeC+
Violent CrimeC+
Property CrimeB-
Crime Rate23.2/1K
TrendDeclining
MetricSan JoseLong Beach
Overall Crime Rate25.9/1K23.2/1K
Violent Crime Rate498.7407.8
Property Crime Rate2088.91911.2
Murder Rate8.58.0
Assault Rate310.2286.3
Robbery Rate102.263.1
Burglary Rate233.4244.1
Theft Rate1440.11294.8
Vehicle Theft Rate394.7276.5

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

Victim Odds

In San Jose, you have a 1 in 39 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 43 in Long Beach.

Climate Comparison

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

San Jose Climate Overview

Annual High70.9°F
Annual Low49.9°F
Annual Rain14.7"
Annual SnowNone
Comfortable Months9
Best MonthAugust
Worst MonthJanuary
Monthly Temperature
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
ComfortableWarm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is San Jose cheaper than Long Beach?
Long Beach is 20% more affordable than San Jose, with a cost of living index of 150 vs 180 (100 = national average). Housing is the biggest difference, at $5,251/mo in San Jose vs $4,183/mo in Long Beach.
Is San Jose safer than Long Beach?
Long Beach is 10% safer overall, with a crime rate of 23.2 per 1,000 residents vs San Jose's 25.9. Long Beach earns a C+ safety grade. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Should I move to San Jose or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach is safer (C+ grade). Long Beach is more affordable (index 150 vs 180). San Jose has a population of 989,814 and Long Beach has 450,469. Consider job market, culture, and proximity to family alongside these data points.
How big is San Jose compared to Long Beach?
San Jose has a population of 989,814 and Long Beach has 450,469. San Jose is 120% larger by population.
Is housing cheaper in San Jose or Long Beach?
Housing is cheaper in Long Beach. Estimated monthly housing costs: San Jose $5,251/mo vs Long Beach $4,183/mo. That's based on a housing index of 295 vs 235 (100 = national average of $1,780/mo).

Learn More About Each City

C+
San Jose 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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