Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Arvada, CO (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Long Beach is 11% more expensive than Arvada.

$1,803/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ≈ Same
$83,969/yr ↓ 26%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↑ 35%
$762,200 ↑ 27%
Home Value
$600,800 ↓ 21%
$1,890/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 3%
458,491
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.4%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $29,427/year higher in Arvada. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Arvada slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Arvada — common questions

Is Long Beach or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arvada is cheaper to live in with an index of 152 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Arvada?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $1/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Arvada?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $29,427/year higher in Arvada.
How do taxes compare between California and Colorado?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Arvada details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and Arvada

Long Beach vs. Raleigh Long Beach vs. Virginia Beach Long Beach vs. Colorado Springs Long Beach vs. Miami Long Beach vs. Omaha Long Beach vs. Oakland Arvada vs. Concord Arvada vs. Clovis Arvada vs. Round Rock Arvada vs. College Station Arvada vs. Vallejo Arvada vs. Independence