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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Palmdale

California
130

Long Beach is 30% more expensive than Palmdale.

$1,803/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,736/mo ↓ 4%
$83,969/yr ↑ 3%
Median Income
$81,151/yr ↓ 3%
$762,200 ↑ 75%
Home Value
$435,300 ↓ 43%
$1,890/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,831/mo ↓ 3%
458,491
Population
165,487

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
13.3%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Palmdale, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $67/month cheaper in Palmdale, saving renters about $804/year.

Median household income is $2,818/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $435,300 in Palmdale.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Palmdale — common questions

Is Long Beach or Palmdale cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Palmdale is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Palmdale?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Palmdale it's $1,736/month — a difference of $67/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Palmdale?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $81,151 in Palmdale. Median household income is $2,818/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and California?
Both cities are in California and share the same state tax rates: 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Palmdale?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Palmdale has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,736/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Palmdale details →

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