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

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Seattle is 16% more expensive than Long Beach.

$1,998/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↓ 10%
$121,984/yr ↑ 45%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↓ 31%
$912,100 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$762,200 ↓ 16%
$2,220/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↓ 15%
741,440
Population
458,491

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $38,015/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Seattle or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Long Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 169 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Long Beach?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Long Beach?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $38,015/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and California?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Seattle details → View Long Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Seattle and Long Beach

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