Median rent is 21% lower in Arlington ($1,470/mo vs $1,871/mo). Buying is cheaper in Arlington, where the median home runs $304,700 versus $806,600. Households earn more in Long Beach ($87,430 vs $75,171 a year). Taken together, Arlington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 102.5 against 114.7 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Long Beach, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Arlington is 11% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 102.5 in Arlington vs 114.7 in Long Beach (US national average = 100)
City A
Arlington, TX
City B
Long Beach, CA
How much would you need to earn in Long Beach, CA to maintain your standard of living from Arlington, TX?
Equivalent salary in Long Beach, CA
$83,971
You'd need $8,971 more (12% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Arlington
Texas
Long Beach
California
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Arlington — median rent of $1,470/mo versus $1,871/mo in Long Beach, a 21% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Long Beach: the median home is $806,600 versus $304,700 in Arlington — 62% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Arlington
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Long Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Arlington has cleaner air on average: 55.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 65.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Arlington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 102.5 vs 114.7).
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($87,430/yr).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,470/mo median).
Pick Arlington if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 55.0).
Is Arlington cheaper than Long Beach?
Arlington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 102.5 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Arlington.
How much is rent in Arlington vs Long Beach?
Median rent is $1,470/mo in Arlington, TX and $1,871/mo in Long Beach, CA. Arlington, TX has the lower rent by about 21%.
Which has higher salaries — Arlington or Long Beach?
Median household income is $75,171 in Arlington, TX and $87,430 in Long Beach, CA. Long Beach, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Arlington, TX has better air quality on average: 55.0 AQI versus 65.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Arlington or Long Beach?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Arlington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Arlington, TX is equivalent to roughly $111,961 in Long Beach, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
