Comparing two of California's most inviting cities, San Diego and Long Beach, reveals distinct living experiences steeped in unique social, economic, and cultural contexts. While both cities enjoy the quintessential Southern California weather, they each offer different experiences in terms of safety, cost of living, education, work, infrastructure, tax climate, and lifestyle amenities. Whether you're considering relocating or planning a visit, a thorough understanding of each city's distinct attributes is essential in decision making.
Distance between
San Diego, CA and
Long Beach, CA : 91.8 miles
San Diego's population is larger by 203%. Its population has grown by 158,211 people (12.9%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
San Diego is known for its relatively low crime rate compared to other large cities in the US, making it a desirable place for both living and visiting. Long Beach, while having made strides in reducing crime, still has a somewhat higher crime rate in comparison. However, as with most urban areas, the crime rates can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another in both cities.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 1,333 registered sex offenders living in San Diego and 807 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in San Diego is 1,055 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 583 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is a smaller in San Diego than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
San Diego is generally more expensive than Long Beach in terms of cost of living. This tends to reflect in housing costs, which are typically higher in San Diego. However, the higher cost can often equate to greater amenities and access to recreational activities.
Income Tax
California has a progressive income tax system which applies to both cities. The state has one of the highest income tax rates nationwide, ranging from 1% to 13.3% based on income level.
Property Tax
Both cities have similar property tax rates, averaging around 1% of the home's assessed value, which is slightly below the national average.
Sales Tax
The sales tax rate for San Diego is 7.75%, whereas Long Beach has a slightly higher rate at 10.25%. These rates combine both city and state sales taxes.
Income
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$93,042
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$48,380
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
126.4
142
If you make $50,000 in San Diego, you will have to make $56,171 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
San Diego is known for its stunning coastline, picturesque canyons, and rolling hills. Long Beach, also coastal, is flatter, with the scenic Queensway Bay offering waterfront views and recreation.
San Diego hosts several top-notch higher education institutions, including the University of California, San Diego (UCSD). Long Beach also boasts reputed institutions, such as California State University, Long Beach. In terms of primary and secondary education, both cities offer a mix of public, private, and charter schools.
San Diego's economy is anchored in the military sector, healthcare, and tourism, while Long Beach has a strong economy based on logistics, healthcare, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate tends to be slightly higher in Long Beach compared to San Diego.
Biggest Employers
The U.S. Navy and UCSD are among the biggest employers in San Diego, along with other healthcare institutions like Sharp HealthCare. In Long Beach, the biggest employers include the city's hospital systems and the Long Beach Unified School District.
There were 539 building permits issued in San Diego in 2012 (88 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In San Diego (San Diego County), 52.6% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
2020
60.3%
71.0%
37.5%
26.9%
2.1%
2.1%
2016
56.3%
72.0%
36.6%
22.5%
7.1%
5.5%
2012
52.6%
69.7%
45.0%
27.8%
2.4%
2.4%
2008
54.2%
69.2%
44.0%
28.8%
1.8%
1.9%
2004
46.7%
63.3%
52.9%
35.7%
0.4%
1.0%
2000
45.8%
63.6%
49.8%
32.4%
4.5%
4.0%
1996
44.1%
59.3%
45.6%
31.0%
10.3%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
25.9%
36.1%
6.7%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.1%
1.0%
12.0%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.7%
1.1%
1.0%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
2.0%
2.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.4%
2.0%
1.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.4%
0.2%
2.0%
1.9%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
2.2%
1.6%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.5%
1.5%
3.1%
Weather
Both cities enjoy a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm to hot summers. San Diego tends to remain slightly cooler throughout the year, given its coastal geography. Long Beach, while also coastal, is slightly more tempered by the urban landscape and can be a bit warmer at times.
Weather and climate
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
64.4°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
74%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
22%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
80%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
11 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
24.3%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
74.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
19%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
75%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
56%
63%
Wind speed - Average
6.9 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in San Diego, California
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
San Diego
Long Beach
2018
101
124
0.53
0.37
11.2
17.2
32.6
22.1
0.007
0.008
N/A
27.5
10.5
13.5
0.1
0.7
2017
115
122
0.63
0.36
12.7
18.1
32.7
23.2
0.007
0.007
N/A
26.7
10.8
14.5
0.1
0.8
2016
105
115
0.46
0.36
13.0
18.5
30.4
21.9
0.006
0.007
N/A
24.1
11.4
11.6
0.1
0.9
2015
111
111
0.43
0.38
13.2
19.9
29.9
22.5
0.005
0.005
N/A
25.0
11.9
13.9
0.1
0.9
2014
105
127
0.44
0.50
11.6
20.3
31.1
22.0
0.007
0.007
N/A
26.7
11.1
14.3
0.1
1.3
2013
138
126
0.50
0.48
12.4
20.0
27.4
24.7
0.019
0.005
N/A
32.3
12.3
14.6
0.2
1.0
2012
110
132
0.53
0.48
12.7
19.3
28.0
24.4
0.019
0.004
N/A
30.8
13.6
14.1
0.2
0.6
2011
122
119
0.51
0.43
13.5
20.2
29.0
23.4
0.034
0.006
N/A
28.4
14.0
15.6
1.5
1.2
2010
109
115
0.52
0.38
14.0
20.8
29.3
22.7
0.019
0.011
N/A
24.1
13.9
11.9
1.0
0.7
2009
121
132
0.64
0.50
15.6
21.0
26.9
22.0
0.014
0.008
N/A
27.7
15.1
13.1
2.7
1.1
2008
127
124
0.71
0.53
16.1
20.8
28.4
23.2
N/A
0.008
67.3
27.2
N/A
21.6
2.6
1.0
2007
157
109
0.71
0.60
16.4
20.3
28.0
21.1
0.012
0.010
64.6
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.4
2006
123
119
0.81
0.76
18.9
21.4
27.1
19.9
0.056
0.005
64.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
1.7
2005
112
108
0.90
0.74
19.2
24.3
24.4
20.5
0.049
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.7
2.7
2004
120
125
0.93
0.56
18.4
28.0
25.9
22.9
0.055
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
4.6
2.0
2003
124
130
0.88
0.83
19.4
28.1
25.4
22.4
0.049
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.8
1.1
2002
125
120
0.86
0.90
20.9
29.6
25.9
22.2
0.039
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.8
2001
132
124
0.93
0.81
20.4
30.3
26.5
21.5
0.048
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.4
3.3
2000
134
142
1.02
0.71
22.3
31.5
23.8
19.6
0.054
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.6
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
6.7%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
5,835%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
39%
57%
Transportation
San Diego has a decent public transportation system, including buses and a light rail service. In Long Beach, the Long Beach Transit offers bus services, while Metro provides light rail connectivity. Both cities experience high congestion during peak hours but offer bicycle-friendly routes as alternatives.
Transport
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
852
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
33
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Bicycle
0.6%
0.5%
Bus
2%
3.3%
Carpooled
9.4%
9.8%
Car alone
81.7%
81.8%
Ferryboat
0.1%
0%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.2%
Railroad
0.5%
0%
Subway
0.1%
0.5%
Walked
3.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Average
27.4 min
30.7 min
Other means
22.7 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
45.7 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
89.5%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
7.6%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
1.8%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.4%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
San Diego's real estate tends to be pricier than in Long Beach, reflecting its high demand and desirability. Long Beach also offers attractive real estate options, often at more accessible prices for those looking for proximity to the ocean and urban amenities.
Neighborhoods
Both San Diego and Long Beach host diverse neighborhoods, each boasting unique charm and character. San Diego's La Jolla is celebrated for its upscale beach-town vibe, while Long Beach's Belmont Shore offers laid-back coastal living.
Houses and residents
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Houses
555,456
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Median year apartment built
1980
1964
Median year house/condo built
1977
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.1 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
521,000 (93.8%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
251,507 (48.3%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
269,493 (51.7%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$2,096
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$2,044
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$957,871
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$768,800
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.9
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
Over $1,000,000
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
Over $1,000,000
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$529,375
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$543,091
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$134,064
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$696,014
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$941,291
$805,766
Median house age
42
62
Renting percentage
51.7%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,712.6
3,565.7
House value disparities
23.6%
21.3%
Household income disparities
42.3%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$138,584
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$97,588
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
2,803 (1.6%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
12,495 (6.9%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
177,643 (98.4%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
694 (0.4%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
16,654 (9.2%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.8%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.3%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
San Diego
Long Beach
One, detached
43.4%
40.2%
One, attached
9.9%
4.9%
Two
1.9%
5.3%
3 or 4
6.0%
8.8%
5 to 9
9.3%
10.4%
10 to 19
7.4%
10.8%
20 to 49
6.3%
8.0%
50 or more
14.6%
10.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
39,709
18,532
State government workers
29,438
6,550
Unpaid family workers
808
178
Industries and Occupations
San Diego's top industries include military and defense, tourism, trade, and biotech. In Long Beach, top industries are shipping, manufacturing, and aerospace. Both cities offer a variety of job opportunities within these sectors and more.
San Diego boasts some top-ranked hospitals, such as UCSD Health and Sharp hospital. Long Beach also has reputable healthcare facilities, including Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
Health (county statistics)
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
San Diego has a robust infrastructure, including an extensive highway system, a well-maintained international airport, and an active port. Long Beach also boasts good infrastructure, with the added advantage of being home to one of the world's largest shipping ports.
Infrastructure
Type
San Diego
Long Beach
Hospitals
26
17
TV stations
13
5
Arenas or stadiums
4
2
Bank branches located here
255
67
Bank institutions located here
40
18
Main business address for public companies
92
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
5
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
San Diego
Long Beach
1999
3,865
1,159
2000
2,257
710
2001
1,754
677
2002
2,118
708
2003
5,074
1,861
2004
7,646
2,162
2005
8,409
3,065
2006
7,551
3,591
2007
5,741
2,287
2008
2,876
887
2009
1,675
475
Culture and Food
San Diego's culture is heavily influenced by its Mexican heritage, reflected in its food, music, and festivals. Long Beach offers a diverse cultural scene, with influences from Latin, Asian, and African American communities, leading to a vibrant food scene.
Sports Teams
San Diego is home to MLB's Padres and AHL's Gulls. Long Beach, though not hosting any major league teams, is close to Los Angeles and its wide array of professional sports teams.
San Diego, CA
Long Beach, CA
San Diego, CA and 
Long Beach, CA : 91.8 miles
