Quick answer
Madison costs $735/month less overall ($1,880 vs $2,615/mo). Madison also has lower state income tax (7.65% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs Madison
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: October 12, 2026
Long Beach vs Madison at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $1,720 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $1,720 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $370K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $145 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $355 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $1,880 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 63/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 46/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 7.65% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Madison's 1BR averages $1,380/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $670/month difference, or $8,040/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Madison charges 7.65% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $1,320/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $9,180 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Madison are $370K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $91,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $20 more per month than Madison. Factor this into your all-in monthly budget.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Madison, WI
Madison's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
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.
Madison
Four seasons; brutal winters (lakes freeze solid for skating), warm summers, beautiful fall; 189 sunny days
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Madison top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
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
Move to Madison if…
- →You're a researchers / academics
- →You're a tech workers
- →You're a outdoor / lake lifestyle seekers
- →You're a progressive culture seekers
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or Madison cheaper to live in?
Madison is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,880 in Madison vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $735/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Madison?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 63/100. Madison is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Madison: which has lower state income tax?
Madison has lower state income tax (7.65%). On an $80K salary, that saves $1,320/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Madison better for buying a home?
Madison has lower median home prices at $370K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $455,000 difference on the median home.