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

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Washington and Long Beach have a similar cost of living.

$1,900/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↓ 5%
$106,287/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↓ 21%
$724,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 5%
$2,103/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↓ 10%
672,079
Population
458,491

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
13.3%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $97/month cheaper in Long Beach, saving renters about $1,164/year.

Median household income is $22,318/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

District of Columbia has a lower income tax rate, making Washington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Washington 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 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Long Beach?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $97/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Long Beach?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $22,318/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and California?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Long Beach details →

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