Quick answer
Philadelphia costs $265/month less overall ($2,350 vs $2,615/mo). Philadelphia also has lower state income tax (3.07% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs Philadelphia
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
Long Beach vs Philadelphia at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $2,350 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $2,350 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $280K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 | $155 ✓ |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $395 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $2,350 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 | 79/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 67/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 3.07% ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Philadelphia's 1BR averages $1,800/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $250/month difference, or $3,000/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Philadelphia charges 3.07% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $4,984/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $3,684 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Philadelphia are $280K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $109,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $10 more per month than Philadelphia. 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
Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia'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.
Philadelphia
Four seasons; hot humid summers, cold winters with snow, beautiful fall foliage
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a researchers
- →You're a urban lifestyle seekers
- →You're a NYC workers seeking lower costs
- →You want to live without a car
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or Philadelphia cheaper to live in?
Philadelphia is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,350 in Philadelphia vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $265/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Philadelphia?
Philadelphia is more walkable with a Walk Score of 79/100 vs 76/100. Long Beach is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Philadelphia: which has lower state income tax?
Philadelphia has lower state income tax (3.07%). On an $80K salary, that saves $4,984/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Philadelphia better for buying a home?
Philadelphia has lower median home prices at $280K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $545,000 difference on the median home.