Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
25% cheaper
Tacoma is 25% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $56,613 in Tacoma.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Washington salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Tacoma sits at 140 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $400,000 in Tacoma, a difference of $300,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,600 in Tacoma.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Long Beach scores 106 while Tacoma scores 105.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are lower than Tacoma (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $58,974 in Tacoma. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tacoma.
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