Median rent is 27% lower in Houston ($1,361/mo vs $1,871/mo). Buying is cheaper in Houston, where the median home runs $277,800 versus $806,600. Households earn more in Long Beach ($87,430 vs $64,813 a year). Taken together, Houston is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 99.7 against 114.7 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Long Beach, CA.
Cost of living verdict
Houston is 13% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 99.7 in Houston vs 114.7 in Long Beach (US national average = 100)
City A
Houston, TX
City B
Long Beach, CA
How much would you need to earn in Long Beach, CA to maintain your standard of living from Houston, TX?
Equivalent salary in Long Beach, CA
$86,291
You'd need $11,291 more (15% 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
Houston
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 Houston — median rent of $1,361/mo versus $1,871/mo in Long Beach, a 27% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Long Beach: the median home is $806,600 versus $277,800 in Houston — 66% 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.
Houston
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Long Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Houston has cleaner air on average: 59.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 65.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Houston if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 99.7 vs 114.7).
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($87,430/yr).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,361/mo median).
Pick Houston if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 59.0).
Is Houston cheaper than Long Beach?
Houston is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 99.7 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Houston.
How much is rent in Houston vs Long Beach?
Median rent is $1,361/mo in Houston, TX and $1,871/mo in Long Beach, CA. Houston, TX has the lower rent by about 27%.
Which has higher salaries — Houston or Long Beach?
Median household income is $64,813 in Houston, 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?
Houston, TX has better air quality on average: 59.0 AQI versus 65.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Houston 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 Houston income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Houston, TX is equivalent to roughly $115,055 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
