Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Brandon, FL (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Brandon

Florida
108

Long Beach is 56% more expensive than Brandon.

$1,803/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,691/mo ↓ 6%
$83,969/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$77,068/yr ↓ 8%
$762,200 ↑ 159%
Home Value
$293,800 ↓ 61%
$1,890/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,546/mo ↓ 18%
458,491
Population
116,365

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Brandon, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 108 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $112/month cheaper in Brandon, saving renters about $1,344/year.

Median household income is $6,901/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $293,800 in Brandon.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Brandon residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Brandon — common questions

Is Long Beach or Brandon cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Brandon is cheaper to live in with an index of 108 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Brandon?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Brandon it's $1,691/month — a difference of $112/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Brandon?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $77,068 in Brandon. Median household income is $6,901/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Brandon?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Brandon has a cost index of 108 with rent of $1,691/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Brandon details →

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