Quick answer
Tampa costs $415/month less overall ($2,200 vs $2,615/mo). Tampa also has lower state income tax (None vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Long Beach vs Tampa
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 Tampa at a Glance
| Metric | Long Beach | Tampa |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $2,050 | $2,100 ✓ |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $2,650 | $2,100 ✓ |
| Median Home Price | $825K | $390K ✓ |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $165 ✓ | $175 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $400 | $345 ✓ |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $2,615 | $2,200 ✓ |
| Walk Score | 76/100 ✓ | 52/100 |
| Transit Score | 72/100 ✓ | 34/100 |
| State Income Tax | 9.3% | None ✓ |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Tampa's 1BR averages $1,680/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $370/month difference, or $4,440/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Tampa charges None state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $7,440/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $0 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Tampa are $390K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $87,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Tampa utilities run $10 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
Tampa, FL
Tampa is partially walkable in denser neighborhoods but car-dependent in most areas.
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.
Tampa
Subtropical: hot humid summers (June–Oct, lightning capital of the US); warm dry winters (60s–70s°F)
Job Market
Long Beach top industries
Tampa 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 Tampa if…
- →You're a healthcare workers
- →You're a remote workers
- →You're a beach lifestyle seekers
- →You're a retirees
- →You want zero state income tax
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Long Beach or Tampa cheaper to live in?
Tampa is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $2,200 in Tampa vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $415/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Long Beach or Tampa?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 52/100. Tampa is more car-dependent.
Long Beach vs Tampa: which has lower state income tax?
Tampa has lower state income tax (None). On an $80K salary, that saves $7,440/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Long Beach or Tampa better for buying a home?
Tampa has lower median home prices at $390K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $435,000 difference on the median home.