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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Tacoma

Washington
126

Long Beach is 34% more expensive than Tacoma.

$1,803/mo ↑ 13%
Median Rent
$1,597/mo ↓ 11%
$83,969/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$83,857/yr ≈ Same
$762,200 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$454,600 ↓ 40%
$1,890/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,747/mo ↓ 8%
458,491
Population
220,482

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Tacoma, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $206/month cheaper in Tacoma, saving renters about $2,472/year.

Median household income is $112/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $454,600 in Tacoma.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Tacoma — common questions

Is Long Beach or Tacoma cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Tacoma?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Tacoma it's $1,597/month — a difference of $206/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Tacoma?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $83,857 in Tacoma. Median household income is $112/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between California and Washington?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Long Beach or Tacoma?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,597/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Tacoma details →

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