Quick answer
Fayetteville costs $1145/month less overall ($1,470 vs $2,615/mo). Fayetteville also has lower state income tax (4.4% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Fayetteville vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Fayetteville vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Fayetteville | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,050 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,300 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $380K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $120 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $300 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,470 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 65/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 35/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.4% ✓ | 9.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Fayetteville's 1BR averages $1,050/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $1,000/month difference, or $12,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Fayetteville charges 4.4% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,920/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $5,280 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Fayetteville are $380K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $89,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $45 more per month than Fayetteville.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Fayetteville, AR
Fayetteville's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Fayetteville
Humid subtropical with warm summers (88°F average), mild winters (40°F average), and high spring tornado risk. Annual precipitation 49 inches.
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Fayetteville top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Fayetteville if…
- →You're a Tech workers and software engineers
- →You're a Walmart employees
- →You're a Families seeking good schools
- →You're a Outdoor enthusiasts (hiking, biking)
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fayetteville or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Fayetteville is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,470 in Fayetteville vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $1145/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Fayetteville or Long Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 65/100. Fayetteville is more car-dependent.
Fayetteville vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Fayetteville has lower state income tax (4.4%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,920/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Fayetteville or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Fayetteville has lower median home prices at $380K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $445,000 difference on the median home.