Long Beach vs Little Rock

Category / Metric	Long Beach	Little Rock
Financial Overview
Median Income	$81,606	$59,762
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	4.1%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$895,000	$248,750
Price per SqFt	$615	$139
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$950
Housing Cost Index	173.0	67.3
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	92.1
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	587.0	1234.0
Bachelor's Degree+	36.8%	43.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	52	40

Long Beach vs. Little Rock: The Ultimate Relocation Showdown

Let’s be real: choosing a new city is a massive life decision. You’re not just picking a zip code; you’re picking a lifestyle, a community, and a future. Today, we’re pitting two wildly different American cities against each other: Long Beach, California, the sun-drenched coastal enclave of LA County, and Little Rock, Arkansas, the capital city of the Natural State.

This isn’t a contest of which is "better" in a vacuum. It’s about which one is better for you. Whether you’re a young professional, a growing family, or looking to stretch your retirement savings, the data and the vibe tell a compelling story. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the head-to-head.

---

The Vibe Check: Coast vs. Capital

Long Beach is the cool, laid-back cousin of Los Angeles. It’s got the ocean breeze, a thriving arts and food scene, and a diverse, eclectic population. It’s where you’ll find young creatives, established professionals, and longtime residents all mingling along the waterfront. The vibe is distinctly coastal California: active, health-conscious, and a bit expensive. It’s for the person who craves the energy of a major metro area but wants to escape the hardcore hustle of downtown LA. You’re trading some space and affordability for year-round access to the Pacific and a vibrant, international culture.

Little Rock is the heart of Arkansas, offering a more traditional, grounded Southern experience. It’s a city of history, green spaces, and genuine hospitality. The pace is slower, the community ties feel stronger, and the cost of living is a breath of fresh air. It’s for the person who values midwestern pragmatism, wants a slower pace without sacrificing city amenities, and is looking for a place where their dollar stretches much further. It’s less about glitz and more about comfort and community.

Who is each city for?

• Long Beach is for the coastal lover, the foodie, the artist, and the professional who needs access to a massive job market and is willing to pay a premium for it.
• Little Rock is for the budget-conscious, the family-oriented, the outdoor enthusiast (hiking, fishing), and anyone seeking a strong sense of place without the crushing cost of coastal living.

---

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Like More?

This is where the rubber meets the road. Earning a six-figure salary in Long Beach feels very different than in Little Rock. Let’s break down the raw numbers.

Cost of Living Table

Category	Long Beach, CA	Little Rock, AR	The Difference
Median Home Price	$895,000	$248,750	260% higher
Avg. 1BR Rent	$2,006	$950	111% higher
Housing Index	173.0 (73% above avg.)	67.3 (33% below avg.)	A world apart
Median Income	$81,606	$59,762	36% higher

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
The data paints a stark picture. The median income in Long Beach is $81,606, but the housing index is a staggering 173.0. This means housing costs are 73% above the national average. In contrast, Little Rock’s median income is $59,762, but its housing index is a remarkably low 67.3—33% below the national average.

Let’s run a scenario. If you earn $100,000 in Long Beach, after California’s high state income tax (which can be up to 9.3% for that bracket), your take-home pay is significantly reduced. That $100,000 feels more like $75,000 once taxes and the astronomical cost of housing are factored in. In Little Rock, Arkansas has 0% state income tax. That same $100,000 salary keeps more money in your pocket. With a median home price of $248,750, your mortgage payment would be a fraction of what it would be in Long Beach. The purchasing power in Little Rock is immense. You could likely buy a beautiful home, save aggressively, and still have disposable income for travel and entertainment. In Long Beach, that $100,000 salary puts you squarely in the middle class, where housing is the single biggest budget item.

The Tax Takeaway: California’s high taxes and high cost of living create a double whammy. Arkansas’s no income tax and ultra-low housing costs make it a financial powerhouse for building wealth.

---

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Long Beach:

• Buy: This is a seller’s market, on steroids. With a median home price of $895,000, entering the market requires a massive down payment (often $179,000+ for 20%). Competition is fierce, and bidding wars are common. It’s a market for established, high-earning professionals or those with significant family wealth.
• Rent: Renting is the default for most young professionals and families. However, with an average 1BR at $2,006, you’re spending a huge chunk of your income on housing. Rent control exists in some areas, but availability is tight.

Little Rock:

• Buy: This is a buyer’s market. With a median home price of $248,750, a 20% down payment is around $50,000—achievable for many. Inventory is more plentiful, and you have room to negotiate. You can get a lot of house for your money, often with a yard and more square footage than you could ever afford in Long Beach.
• Rent: Renting is affordable and accessible. At $950 for a 1BR, you can save for a down payment much faster. The rental market is less competitive, giving you more options and leverage.

Verdict: If homeownership is a key life goal, Little Rock is the clear winner. Long Beach’s market is daunting and may be out of reach for many without significant financial backing.

---

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life Factors

Traffic & Commute

• Long Beach: You’re in the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Traffic is legendary. The 405 Freeway is one of the most congested in the nation. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Public transit (the Blue Line, buses) is an option but can be crowded and slow. Car dependency is high.
• Little Rock: Traffic is minimal by big-city standards. Commutes are typically short—15-20 minutes is common. The city is easy to navigate by car, and while public transit exists, it’s not as comprehensive. You’ll spend far less time in your car.

Winner: Little Rock. The time and stress saved on commuting are invaluable.

Weather

• Long Beach: Mediterranean climate. It’s the classic Southern California dream: mild, dry summers (avg. 75-85°F) and cool, damp winters (avg. 50-60°F). There’s virtually no snow, and rain is minimal. The biggest downside is the marine layer (June Gloom), which can keep the coast gray until afternoon.
• Little Rock: Humid subtropical climate. This is the real deal Southern weather. Summers are hot and humid (avg. 90°F+ with high humidity), which can be oppressive. Springs bring severe thunderstorms and tornado risk. Winters are mild but can have ice storms. Fall and spring are beautiful.

Winner: Long Beach. For most people, the consistency and lack of extreme humidity/snow make it the more comfortable climate. But if you love four distinct seasons (and can handle the heat), Little Rock has its appeal.

Crime & Safety

This is a critical category.

• Long Beach: Violent Crime Rate: 587.0 per 100,000. This is significantly above the national average (which is around 380 per 100k). Like any large city, safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Areas like Belmont Shore and Naples are very safe, while others struggle with higher crime rates.
• Little Rock: Violent Crime Rate: 1,234.0 per 100,000. This is more than triple the national average and double the rate of Long Beach. This is a serious concern. Crime is a city-wide issue, though some suburbs (like Maumelle or Sherwood) have lower rates.

Verdict: Long Beach is statistically safer. While both cities have crime, Little Rock’s violent crime rate is alarmingly high. This is a major dealbreaker for many, especially families.

---

The Final Verdict: Which City Wins Your Heart (and Wallet)?

Choosing between these two is about prioritizing what matters most to you: financial freedom and space versus coastal lifestyle and access.

Winner for Families: Little Rock

Why: The math is undeniable. A family can afford a spacious home in a good school district for a fraction of the cost of a comparable home in Long Beach. The lower stress of shorter commutes and a slower pace of life can be beneficial for kids. The major caveat is crime; thorough research into specific school districts and neighborhoods is non-negotiable.

Winner for Singles/Young Pros: Long Beach (with a caveat)

Why: If your career is in tech, entertainment, or any industry tied to the massive Southern California economy, Long Beach offers unparalleled opportunities. The social scene, dining, and cultural amenities are vibrant. The caveat? You must have a high income (or be willing to share housing) to enjoy it without constant financial stress. For young pros on a budget, Little Rock offers a great launchpad with a much lower barrier to entry.

Winner for Retirees: It's a Tie (Based on Priorities)

• Choose Little Rock if: Your priority is stretching your retirement savings. The low cost of living, especially housing, means your nest egg goes much further. The slower pace is relaxing. Major downside: The high crime rate.
• Choose Long Beach if: Your priority is an active, year-round outdoor lifestyle and you have a robust retirement fund. The ability to walk, bike, and enjoy the ocean daily is priceless. The high cost of living and taxes are the trade-offs.

---

At a Glance: Pros & Cons

Long Beach, CA

Pros:

• World-class beaches and ocean access
• Vibrant, diverse culture and food scene
• Proximity to Los Angeles job market
• Mild, pleasant year-round weather
• Strong public transit options (for CA)

Cons:

• Extremely high cost of living (especially housing)
• High state income taxes
• Significant traffic congestion
• Violent crime rate above national average
• Competitive housing market

Little Rock, AR

Pros:

• Extremely affordable cost of living
• 0% state income tax
• Short, manageable commutes
• Easy access to outdoor recreation (hiking, lakes)
• Strong sense of community

Cons:

• Very high violent crime rate (a major concern)
• Hot, humid summers
• Fewer cultural amenities and job opportunities
• Car-dependent city

The Bottom Line

This showdown is a classic battle between heart and wallet. Long Beach wins on lifestyle, climate, and opportunity, but demands a high financial toll. Little Rock wins on affordability, financial freedom, and a slower pace, but carries a serious safety concern.

Ask yourself: What is your non-negotiable? If it’s safety and a vibrant coastal culture, and you can afford it, Long Beach calls. If it’s financial security, homeownership, and a relaxed pace, and you’re willing to do deep neighborhood research, Little Rock might be your perfect fit. There’s no wrong answer, only the right answer for your next chapter.