CostIndexUSA

Lawrence, KS vs Long Beach, CA Cost of Living

Data: BEA Regional Price Parities · Census ACS · 2024

More AffordableKS
Lawrence
90.2
overall index
$1,475/mo rent
CA
Long Beach
113.6
overall index
$2,550/mo rent

Lawrence is significantly cheaper than Long Beach — 25.9% lower overall cost of living.

To match an $80,000 salary in Lawrence, you would need $100,800 in Long Beach. Calculate your salary ↓

Category Breakdown

Index values: 100 = U.S. national average. Higher = more expensive.

🏠 Housing+138.0%
Lawrence
71.6
Long Beach
170.4
🛒 Groceries+13.4%
Lawrence
94
Long Beach
106.6
🚗 Transportation+11.3%
Lawrence
98.5
Long Beach
109.6
🏥 Healthcare+11.2%
Lawrence
89.1
Long Beach
99.1
Utilities+77.6%
Lawrence
89.3
Long Beach
158.6

Salary Equivalency Calculator

Enter your current salary in Lawrence to see what you'd need to earn in Long Beach to maintain the same purchasing power.

$
Equivalent salary in Long Beach, CA
$100,800
$20,800 more needed in Long Beach

Formula: salary × (113.6 ÷ 90.2) = salary × 1.2594. Based on BEA Regional Price Parities.

Housing Market

Lawrence, KS

Median Home Price
$320,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,475
Housing Index
71.6
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.1×

Long Beach, CA

Median Home Price
$565,000
Median Monthly Rent
$2,550
Housing Index
170.4
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.5×

Long Beach has 138.0% higher housing costs compared to Lawrence.

Income & Job Market

Lawrence, KS

Median Household Income
$67,000
Per Capita Income
$38,200
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
Population
98,004
Top Industries
EducationHealthcareTechnologyRetailManufacturing

Long Beach, CA

Median Household Income
$92,000
Per Capita Income
$52,400
Unemployment Rate
5.5%
Population
466,742
Top Industries
LogisticsHealthcareManufacturingEntertainmentRetail

Affordability at a Glance

Income-to-rent ratio: higher is better (more income relative to housing costs).

Lawrence, KS
3.8×income-to-rent ratio

74% of income left after rent (median)

Long Beach, CA
3.0×income-to-rent ratio

67% of income left after rent (median)

Data Sources: Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parities 2024; U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS); Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Local Area Unemployment Statistics; Zillow Research.

Cost indices use 100 as the U.S. national average. Values above 100 indicate costs above the national average. Data is updated annually.

This data is for informational purposes only and should not be used as the sole basis for relocation or financial decisions.