Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs College Station, TX (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Long Beach is 86% more expensive than College Station.

$1,803/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 35%
$83,969/yr ↑ 62%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 38%
$762,200 ↑ 133%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 57%
$1,890/mo ↑ 51%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 34%
458,491
Population
122,280

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $635/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $7,620/year.

Median household income is $32,193/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

Texas has no state income tax, giving College Station residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs College Station — common questions

Is Long Beach or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and College Station?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $635/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or College Station?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $32,193/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Texas?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and College Station

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 College Station vs. Clovis College Station vs. Independence College Station vs. Arvada College Station vs. Rochester College Station vs. Concord College Station vs. Lafayette