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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

West Palm Beach

Florida
119

Long Beach is 42% more expensive than West Palm Beach.

$1,803/mo ↑ 6%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↓ 5%
$83,969/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$69,261/yr ↓ 18%
$762,200 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$369,800 ↓ 51%
$1,890/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,667/mo ↓ 12%
458,491
Population
119,508

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
29.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and West Palm Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $94/month cheaper in West Palm Beach, saving renters about $1,128/year.

Median household income is $14,708/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $369,800 in West Palm Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs West Palm Beach — common questions

Is Long Beach or West Palm Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Palm Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and West Palm Beach?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in West Palm Beach it's $1,709/month — a difference of $94/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or West Palm Beach?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $69,261 in West Palm Beach. Median household income is $14,708/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 West Palm Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while West Palm Beach has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View West Palm Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Long Beach and West Palm Beach

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