Stretched

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Long Beach?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Long Beach, you need to earn at least $81,840/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $78,995, which means the typical resident is $2,845 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 462,293

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,432	$4,773	$57,280	$-21,715
1 Bedroom	$1,698	$5,660	$67,920	$-11,075
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$2,046	$6,820	$81,840	+$2,845
3 Bedroom	$2,496	$8,320	$99,840	+$20,845
4 Bedroom	$3,069	$10,230	$122,760	+$43,765

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Long Beach's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$78,995

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$81,840

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$2,845

Deficit

Verdict

Stretched

Ratio: 31.1%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Long Beach

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Long Beach's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$1,975

Studio

$1,432/mo

1 BR

$1,698/mo

2 BR

$2,046/mo

3 BR

$2,496/mo

4 BR

$3,069/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Long Beach.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Long Beach's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Long Beach

Renting in Long Beach is stretched but not impossible. The gap is a relatively narrow $2,845, suggesting that households slightly above median can find workable arrangements — especially with studios at $1,432/month.

If you're relocating to Long Beach, target the studio or 1-bedroom tier ($1,432–$1,698/month) unless your income exceeds $81,840. A roommate splitting a 2-bedroom effectively halves the individual rent burden to $1,023/month.

The break-even salary for comfortable living in Long Beach is approximately $122,760. Below this threshold, expect housing to consume a disproportionate share of your budget, limiting discretionary spending and savings capacity.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Long Beach, California.

With a total population of 462,293, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 234,567 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $81,840 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

234,567

Active civilian employees in Long Beach

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Long Beach

What salary do I need to live in Long Beach, California?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Long Beach under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $81,840. The median household income in Long Beach is $78,995.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Long Beach on $78,995?

The affordability verdict for Long Beach is "Stretched". The rent-to-income ratio is 31.1%, meaning there's a $2,845 income gap.

What is the average rent in Long Beach compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Long Beach is $1,698/month. With a median household income of $78,995, residents spend approximately 31.1% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Long Beach?

A studio in Long Beach rents for approximately $1,432/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $57,280 to afford this.

Is Long Beach considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $2,845 and an affordability verdict of "Stretched", Long Beach is considered a stretched rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $81,840 to the local median household income.

How Long Beach Compares

Other cities in California with salary requirements