Median rent is 25% lower in Long Beach ($1,803/mo vs $2,395/mo). Buying is cheaper in New City, where the median home runs $618,500 versus $762,200. Households earn more in New City ($174,479 vs $83,969 a year). Taken together, New City is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 113.0 against 113.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New City, NY.
City A
Long Beach, CA
City B
New City, NY
How much would you need to earn in New City, NY to maintain your standard of living from Long Beach, CA?
Equivalent salary in New City, NY
$74,788
You could earn $212 less (0% 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
New City
New York
👥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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Long Beach — median rent of $1,803/mo versus $2,395/mo in New City, a 25% difference. Median home values are within 19% of each other: $762,200 in Long Beach and $618,500 in New City.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 10.90% in New York, so New City is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.00% in New York; New City has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Long Beach
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
New City
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for Long Beach (avg AQI 72.0) but not yet for New City.
Pick New City if you prioritize higher median household income ($174,479/yr).
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,803/mo median).
Pick New City if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is Long Beach cheaper than New City?
New City is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 113.0 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in New City.
How much is rent in Long Beach vs New City?
Median rent is $1,803/mo in Long Beach, CA and $2,395/mo in New City, NY. Long Beach, CA has the lower rent by about 25%.
Which has higher salaries — Long Beach or New City?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach, CA and $174,479 in New City, NY. New City, NY 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 New City?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and New York's is 10.90%. New City, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New City 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 $99,717 in New City, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology