Long Beach vs Ankeny

Category / Metric	Long Beach	Ankeny
Financial Overview
Median Income	$81,606	$105,862
Unemployment Rate	5%	3%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$895,000	$323,500
Price per SqFt	$615	$214
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$787
Housing Cost Index	173.0	86.1
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	95.1
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	587.0	301.8
Bachelor's Degree+	37%	30%
Air Quality (AQI)	52	31

Long Beach vs. Ankeny: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

So, you're standing at a crossroads. On one side, you have Long Beach, California—a sprawling, sun-drenched coastal metropolis with a gritty, artistic soul. On the other, Ankeny, Iowa—a clean, fast-growing suburban gem in the heart of the Midwest. It’s not just a choice of geography; it’s a choice of lifestyle, income, and what you value most in a place to call home.

Let’s cut through the noise. I’ve crunched the numbers, felt the weather, and analyzed the vibes to give you the unvarnished truth. Grab a coffee (or a craft beer), because we're about to find out which city is your perfect match.

The Vibe Check: Coastal Cool vs. Midwestern Charm

Long Beach is the definition of eclectic. It’s a city of contrasts where you’ll find high-end yachts docked next to gritty dive bars, and where a world-class university sits just miles from one of the largest ports in the nation. The vibe is laid-back, progressive, and fiercely independent. Think: sunny days spent at the beach, a vibrant arts scene, and a diverse, creative energy. It’s for the person who craves constant stimulation, loves cultural melting pots, and doesn’t mind a little urban grit.

Ankeny is the picture of polished, family-friendly suburbia. It’s clean, orderly, and growing at a blistering pace. The vibe is quiet, safe, and community-focused. Think: top-rated schools, sprawling parks, and a tight-knit feel where neighbors know each other. It’s for the person who values stability, safety, and a slower pace of life, all while having easy access to the amenities of a major metro (Des Moines) without the chaos. It’s the ultimate "you can have it all" suburban dream.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Actually Go?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Let's talk cold, hard cash.

Cost of Living Table

Category	Long Beach, CA	Ankeny, IA	The Difference
Median Home Price	$895,000	$323,500	+177%
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$787	+155%
Housing Index	173.0	86.1	+101%
Median Income	$81,606	$105,862	-23%

The Salary Wars: Purchasing Power in Action

Here’s the brutal reality: If you earn $100,000 in Long Beach, you’re making more than the median ($81,606), but you’re fighting an uphill battle. Your purchasing power is gutted by the cost of living. That $100k might feel like $60k after you account for housing, taxes, and groceries.

In Ankeny, earning the median of $105,862 puts you in a very strong position. With a median home price of $323,500, your money stretches dramatically further. That same $100k salary in Ankeny feels like a king’s ransom compared to Long Beach. You’re not just surviving; you’re thriving, saving, and investing.

The Tax Factor: California is notorious for its high state income tax (ranging from 1% to 12.3% depending on your bracket). Iowa has a progressive income tax, but the top rate is 5.7%—and it’s scheduled to drop further. For a high earner, this tax difference alone can mean thousands of dollars saved annually in Ankeny. Long Beach offers the "California Dream," but Ankeny offers "Midwestern Affordability."

The Housing Market: Buy, Rent, or Get Out?

Long Beach: The Seller’s Paradise (and Buyer’s Nightmare)

• Buy: With a median home price of $895,000, homeownership is a distant dream for many. You’re competing in a cutthroat market where cash offers are king, and starter homes are a myth. The Housing Index of 173.0 screams "premium."
• Rent: Rent is brutal. $2,006 for a one-bedroom is standard, and that’s before parking, utilities, and the hidden costs of urban living. Availability is tight, and prices are always creeping up.

Ankeny: The Buyer’s Market (with a Caveat)

• Buy: At $323,500, a median home is attainable for a dual-income household. The market is competitive but not cutthroat. You can find a modern, three-bedroom home with a yard for a price that would get you a studio apartment in Long Beach. The Housing Index of 86.1 is a breath of fresh air.
• Rent: For $787, you can rent a comfortable apartment. It’s a renter-friendly market with more options and less pressure. However, inventory can be lower than in a massive city.

Verdict: If you’re a prospective homeowner, Ankeny wins by a landslide. Long Beach’s market is for the wealthy or those willing to sacrifice homeownership for the location.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Metrics

Traffic & Commute

• Long Beach: You’re in the Los Angeles metro. Traffic is legendary. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Public transit (Metro) exists but is often crowded and not always reliable. Car ownership is non-negotiable, and gas prices are consistently among the highest in the nation.
• Ankeny: Traffic is minimal. You’re a 15-minute drive from downtown Des Moines. Most commutes are under 30 minutes. The roads are wide, well-maintained, and parking is plentiful (and often free). This is a massive quality-of-life upgrade.

Weather

• Long Beach: The data says 57°F average, but that’s misleading. You get perfect, dry, sunny days for most of the year. Summers are warm (highs in the 80s), but the ocean breeze is a natural AC. The biggest shocker? It’s humid. There’s no snow to shovel.
• Ankeny: The data says 27°F average. This is the Midwest, baby. Winters are long, cold, and snowy. You will own a heavy coat, a shovel, and a snow blower. Summers are hot and humid (think 90°F+ with high humidity). The seasons are dramatic, which some love and others despise.

Crime & Safety

• Long Beach: With a violent crime rate of 587.0/100k, Long Beach is significantly more dangerous than the national average. Safety varies drastically by neighborhood. You must be street-smart and choose your area carefully.
• Ankeny: A violent crime rate of 301.8/100k is still above the national average but is notably lower than Long Beach. Ankeny is widely regarded as a very safe community, especially for families. The perception of safety is a huge draw.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Move?

This isn’t about which city is "better." It’s about which city is better for you.

Winner for Families: Ankeny

For raising a family, Ankeny is the clear champion. The combination of top-rated public schools, extremely low crime, affordable and spacious housing, and a safe, community-oriented environment is almost unbeatable. You can own a home with a yard, your kids can play outside safely, and your dollar goes toward their future, not just keeping a roof over their heads.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Long Beach

If you’re young, single, and your career is in tech, entertainment, or a creative field, Long Beach offers the energy and opportunity you crave. The dating scene, networking, nightlife, and sheer variety of experiences are on another level. Yes, you’ll pay for it in rent and taxes, but you’re buying access to a world-class city and an unbeatable lifestyle. It’s a trade-off many are willing to make.

Winner for Retirees: Ankeny (with a caveat)

Ankeny wins for retirees who value affordability, safety, and a slower pace. Your retirement savings will last decades longer here. However, if your heart is set on a vibrant, walkable community with endless cultural activities and you’re not bothered by the cost, Long Beach (in a safe, older neighborhood) could be a fantastic, active retirement choice.

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At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Long Beach, CA

Pros:

• Unbeatable weather and coastal access.
• Thriving, diverse cultural and food scene.
• Proximity to Los Angeles and all its opportunities.
• Vibrant, progressive, and artsy community vibe.

Cons:

• Sticker shock on housing and rent.
• High state income and sales taxes.
• Brutal traffic and high cost of living.
• Higher crime rates and urban challenges.

Ankeny, IA

Pros:

• Incredible bang for your buck in housing and overall cost.
• Top-tier public schools and a safe, family-first environment.
• Easy, short commutes and minimal traffic.
• Strong community feel and growing amenities.

Cons:

• Harsh, long winters with snow and ice.
• Less cultural diversity and nightlife compared to a major coastal city.
• Can feel "suburban-sprawly" and less walkable.
• Further from major international airports and global hubs.

The Bottom Line: If you want a lifestyle and can afford the price tag, choose Long Beach. If you want to build wealth and stability for your family, choose Ankeny.