Moving from Carlsbad, CA to Long Beach, CA
The 76 mi from Carlsbad to Long Beach translate to about 1h 37m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
76 mi Β· 1h 37m by car Β· CA
Distance & route
| Route through | CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 5, CA 73, I 405 |
| Major cities en route | Torrance, Los Angeles, Glendale, Inglewood, Burbank |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Carlsbad | Long Beach | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 111.887 | 113.566 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 174.247 | 158.589 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.963 | 106.623 | 100.0 |
| Services | 179.267 | 170.433 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Carlsbad (111.887) and Long Beach (113.566) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Long Beach: 1.5% below Carlsbad on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Carlsbad -3.9%, Long Beach +0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Carlsbad | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 63Β°F | 65Β°F |
| January avg low | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| July avg high | 74Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 11.4" | 12.0" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CARLSBAD PALOMAR AP, CA US, LONG BEACH DAUGHERTY FLD, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Carlsbad | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 114,500 | 458,491 |
| Median household income | $139,326 | $83,969 |
| Median age | 42.8 | 36.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 36.8% | 22.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.68 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 1.5% between Carlsbad and Long Beach (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Long Beach MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 746,160 | $48,810 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 570,740 | $35,580 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 516,960 | $40,560 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 494,430 | $39,510 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 461,490 | $33,530 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Long Beach sees only 12.0 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Carlsbad vs Long Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $83,969 in Long Beach vs $139,326 in Carlsbad β a 39.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Long Beach more expensive than Carlsbad?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Long Beach is 1.5% higher than Carlsbad (113.566 vs 111.887, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Carlsbad to Long Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 76 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Long Beach, CA from Carlsbad, CA?
The driving distance is 76 mi and the route typically takes 1h 37m via I 5 and CA 73. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Long Beach compared to Carlsbad?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $857,861 in Long Beach vs $1,370,649 in Carlsbad β a 37.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Long Beach compare to Carlsbad?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,490 in the Long Beach MSA vs $53,090 in the Carlsbad MSA, on total employment of 6,185,570 and 1,522,620 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Carlsbad.
City profiles: Carlsbad, CA Β· Long Beach, CA.