Long Beach, CA vs Tempe, AZ: 169 vs 120

$1,803/mo ↑ 11%

Median Rent

$1,623/mo ↓ 10%

$83,969/yr ↑ 8%

Median Income

$77,643/yr ↓ 8%

$762,200 ↑ 81%

Home Value

$421,900 ↓ 45%

$1,890/mo ↑ 22%

Owner Costs

$1,554/mo ↓ 18%

458,491

Population

186,419

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Tempe, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 120 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $180/month cheaper in Tempe, saving renters about $2,160/year.

Median household income is $6,326/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $421,900 in Tempe.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Tempe slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Tempe — common questions

Is Long Beach or Tempe cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tempe is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Tempe?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Tempe it's $1,623/month — a difference of $180/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Tempe?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $77,643 in Tempe. Median household income is $6,326/year higher in Long Beach.

How do taxes compare between California and Arizona?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.

Should I move to Long Beach or Tempe?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Tempe has a cost index of 120 with rent of $1,623/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

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

Long Beach

Tempe

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

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