Question 1

Is Houston or Long Beach cheaper to live in?

Accepted Answer

Houston, TX is cheaper. Estimated essentials for a single person run about $1,266/month less than in Long Beach, covering rent plus everyday costs. Typical rent is $1,573/mo in Houston versus $2,903/mo in Long Beach.

Question 2

What salary do you need in Houston vs Long Beach?

Accepted Answer

Living comfortably takes roughly $70,500/year before tax in Houston, TX and $105,000/year in Long Beach, CA — a difference of about $34,500. Both figures are after state and local income taxes are accounted for.

Question 3

Is Houston or Long Beach cheaper for a family?

Accepted Answer

Houston, the same answer as for a single person. Two adults with a pre-schooler and a school-age child run about $9,579/month in Houston and $12,156/month in Long Beach, including county-median childcare.

Question 4

Should I move to Houston or Long Beach?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you weight. Houston costs less month to month, but cost is one of six factors — jobs, safety, climate, housing and amenities all differ too. Compare them against your own income and priorities rather than a single ranking.

Metric	Houston57	Long Beach48
Est. monthly cost (single)	$4,046	$5,312
Est. monthly cost (family of 4, incl. childcare)	$9,579	$12,156
Salary for comfort	$70,500/yr	$105,000/yr
Typical rent	$1,573	$2,903
Median home value	$253,400	$762,200
Median household income	$62,894	$83,969
Unemployment	5.2%	5.2%
Housing score	50	4
Jobs score	36	22
Safety score	4	41
Climate score	100	100
Amenities score	69	91
Population	2.3M	458.5K
Summer high / winter low	92° / 45°	82° / 46°

Houston, TX vs Long Beach, CA