Median rent is 18% lower in Melbourne ($1,525/mo vs $1,871/mo). Buying is cheaper in Melbourne, where the median home runs $306,400 versus $806,600. Households earn more in Long Beach ($87,430 vs $66,991 a year). Taken together, Melbourne is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.7 against 114.7 — about 1% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Long Beach, CA.
Quick verdict
Melbourne is 1% cheaper overall
Cost index: 113.7 in Melbourne vs 114.7 in Long Beach (US average = 100)
City A
Long Beach, CA
City B
Melbourne, FL
How much would you need to earn in Melbourne, FL to maintain your standard of living from Long Beach, CA?
Equivalent salary in Melbourne, FL
$74,305
You could earn $695 less (1% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Long Beach
California
Melbourne
Florida
👥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: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Melbourne at $1,525/mo compared to $1,871/mo in Long Beach (18% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Long Beach: the median home is $806,600 versus $306,400 in Melbourne — 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.
Long Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Melbourne
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Air quality data is available for Long Beach (avg AQI 65.0) but not yet for Melbourne.
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($87,430/yr).
Pick Melbourne if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,525/mo median).
Is Long Beach cheaper than Melbourne?
Melbourne is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.7 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 1% lower in Melbourne.
How much is rent in Long Beach vs Melbourne?
Median rent is $1,871/mo in Long Beach, CA and $1,525/mo in Melbourne, FL. Melbourne, FL has the lower rent by about 18%.
Which has higher salaries — Long Beach or Melbourne?
Median household income is $87,430 in Long Beach, CA and $66,991 in Melbourne, FL. 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?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Long Beach or Melbourne?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Melbourne to match my Long Beach income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Long Beach, CA is equivalent to roughly $99,073 in Melbourne, FL (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
