Quick answer
Providence costs $385/month less overall ($2,230 vs $2,615/mo). Providence also has lower state income tax (5.99% (top) vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs Providence
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 Providence at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $2,000 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $2,000 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $380K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $180 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $2,230 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 75/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 51/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | 5.99% (top) ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Providence's 1BR averages $1,650/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $400/month difference, or $4,800/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Providence charges 5.99% (top) state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,840/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $5,400 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Providence 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: Providence utilities run $15 more per month than Long Beach.
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
Providence, RI
Providence'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.
Providence
New England winters (cold, moderate snow); humid summers; seasonal transitions are pronounced; 4 true seasons
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Providence 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 Providence if…
- →You're a Artists, designers, and creative professionals (RISD gravity, gallery culture)
- →You're a Brown University-affiliated academics and families
- →You're a Urban walkability seekers who want Northeastern authenticity
- →You're a Culinary enthusiasts (Johnson & Wales, farm-to-table restaurants)
- →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 Providence cheaper to live in?
Providence is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,230 in Providence vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $385/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Providence?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 75/100. Providence is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Providence: which has lower state income tax?
Providence has lower state income tax (5.99% (top)). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,840/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Providence better for buying a home?
Providence has lower median home prices at $380K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $445,000 difference on the median home.