Long Beach vs Tulsa

Category / Metric	Long Beach	Tulsa
Financial Overview
Median Income	$81,606	$56,821
Unemployment Rate	5.5%	3.5%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$895,000	$246,960
Price per SqFt	$615	$147
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$900
Housing Cost Index	173.0	69.4
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	107.9	92.2
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.98	$3.40
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	587.0	789.0
Bachelor's Degree+	36.8%	33.7%
Air Quality (AQI)	52	33

Alright, let's cut through the noise. You're standing at a crossroads, and the signs point to two wildly different destinations: Long Beach, California, and Tulsa, Oklahoma. One is a sprawling, sun-drenched port city on the Pacific; the other is a gritty, revitalizing hub in the heart of Tornado Alley.

This isn't just about geography. It's about a fundamental choice in lifestyle, budget, and what you value most. As your relocation expert, I'm here to give you the unfiltered, data-driven breakdown you need to make this call. Grab your coffee; we're going deep.

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The Vibe Check: Coastal Cool vs. Heartland Hustle

First things first: these two cities feel like they're on different planets.

Long Beach is the definition of SoCal cool. It's a massive, diverse city of nearly 450,000 people, wedged between the swanky shores of Orange County and the urban grit of LA. The vibe here is a unique cocktail of blue-collar port-town heritage, artsy enclaves, and a laid-back, beach-obsessed culture. You'll see surfers hitting the waves before work, vibrant street art in the East Village Arts District, and a food scene that's exploding. It's for the person who craves endless options—cultural festivals, proximity to both the beach and a major metropolis, and a "see-and-be-seen" energy.

Tulsa, on the other hand, is all about that Heartland comeback. With a population just shy of 411,000, it feels more manageable, more grounded. The vibe here is industrious and welcoming. It’s a city that’s invested heavily in itself, building out a world-class gathering spot along the Arkansas River (the Gathering Place) and reviving its Art Deco downtown. It’s for the person who wants a sense of community, a lower-stakes environment, and the feeling that they can actually get ahead without fighting for every scrap of pavement.

• Go to Long Beach if: You're an extrovert who thrives on energy, diversity, and being near the ocean. You work in a creative or port-adjacent industry and don't mind paying a premium for access.
• Go to Tulsa if: You're an introvert or a young family looking for affordability and community. You value fiscal responsibility and a slower, more deliberate pace of life.

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The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Money Work Harder?

This is where the rubber meets the road. The "sticker shock" is real when you compare these two. Let's talk purchasing power.

The data tells a dramatic story. Your money stretches significantly further in Tulsa, but that comes with a major caveat: salaries are much lower.

Cost of Living Head-to-Head

Category	Long Beach, CA	Tulsa, OK	The Difference
Rent (1BR)	$2,006	$900	Tulsa is 55% cheaper
Housing Index	156.3	78.0	LB is ~2x more expensive
Utilities	$200-250	$150-200	LB is roughly 25% higher
Groceries	$150-180	$100-130	LB is about 30% higher

Salary Wars & The Tax Man

Let's run a scenario. You're a professional earning a solid $100,000 salary.

• In Long Beach: Your median income is $81,606, so you're doing well. But Uncle Sam and the State of California will take a big bite. After federal and California state income taxes, your take-home pay is closer to $68,000. Your rent alone ($2,006/mo) will eat up about $24,000 of that, leaving you with roughly $44,000 for everything else. You'll feel comfortable, but you won't feel "rich."

• In Tulsa: Your median income is $56,821, so that $100,000 salary puts you in a fantastic position. Why? Texas has no state income tax! Wait, my bad—Oklahoma does, but it's much lower than California's. Your take-home is closer to $75,000. Your rent ($900/mo) is a mere $10,800 a year. You're left with $64,200 for discretionary spending, savings, and investing.

The Verdict on Your Wallet:
In Tulsa, a $100k salary feels like a $150k salary in Long Beach. That's the bang for your buck we're talking about. The Housing Index difference is the killer stat: a home in Long Beach costs roughly double the national average, while Tulsa is slightly below it.

::: WINNER: TULSA :::
For pure purchasing power and financial freedom, Tulsa wins in a landslide. If your primary goal is to build wealth, save for a house, or just breathe easier financially, Tulsa is the answer.

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The Housing Market: Buying a Dream vs. Renting a Reality

The data provided doesn't have median home prices, but the Housing Index tells you everything you need to know. Long Beach's index of 156.3 means the housing market is incredibly competitive and expensive. Tulsa's 78.0 is a breath of fresh air.

Long Beach: This is a Seller's Market. Inventory is chronically low. You will be competing against cash offers, investors, and people with deep pockets from the wider LA area. Buying a home here is a monumental achievement and a serious long-term investment, but the entry barrier is sky-high. Most people are forced to rent, and those rental prices reflect the intense demand.

Tulsa: This is closer to a Buyer's Market. You have options. For the price of a down payment on a small condo in Long Beach, you could potentially buy a spacious, multi-bedroom home in a good Tulsa suburb. The city even has programs to attract remote workers and new residents, which can include housing incentives. Owning a home is much more attainable for the average person here.

::: WINNER: TULSA :::
Again, Tulsa's affordability makes homeownership a realistic goal rather than a distant dream. The competition is fierce in Long Beach, locking many out of the market entirely.

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The Dealbreakers: Traffic, Weather, and Staying Safe

This is the "real life" part of the equation. The stuff that affects your daily mood.

Traffic & Commute:

• Long Beach: Brutal. You're in the Greater Los Angeles metro. The 710, the 405, the 605... these aren't freeways, they're parking lots. A 10-mile commute can easily take 45 minutes. Public transit (the Blue Line) is an option but can be crowded and slow.
• Tulsa: A breeze. The city is built for cars. You can get across town in 20-25 minutes during rush hour. It's a quality-of-life game-changer. Your time is your own here.

Weather:

• Long Beach: Mediterranean perfection. The data says 48.0°F for average winter temp, but that's misleading. It's the average, meaning many days are much milder. Summers are warm (80-90°F) but the ocean breeze keeps it from being oppressive. The biggest downside is the "June Gloom"—a marine layer that can stick around for weeks.
• Tulsa: All four seasons, and they can be intense. The data shows a colder average winter temp of 34.0°F. Winters bring ice and snow. Summers are hot and humid, often pushing into the 90s with thick, swampy air. And let's not forget: you're in Tornado Alley. Spring means severe weather watches are a regular part of life.

Crime & Safety:
This is a critical point where the data is sobering. Both cities have violent crime rates higher than the national average (~380/100k).

• Long Beach Violent Crime: 587.0 per 100k residents.
• Tulsa Violent Crime: 789.0 per 100k residents.

Statistically, you are more likely to be a victim of a violent crime in Tulsa than in Long Beach. However, crime is not evenly distributed in either city. In Long Beach, it's often concentrated in specific neighborhoods. In Tulsa, it can also depend heavily on the area. This is a tie-breaker that requires personal risk tolerance, but the raw numbers give the edge to Long Beach.

::: WINNER: LONG BEACH :::
While the crime stats are concerning for both, Long Beach edges out a win here. The weather is arguably the best in the nation, and the daily grind is far less stressful if you can navigate the traffic. For many, the climate and coastal access are dealbreakers that outweigh the financial benefits of Tulsa.

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The Final Verdict: Who Should Pack Their Bags?

So, you've made it to the end. It's decision time. Let's break it down by the kind of life you want to live.

Winner for Families: TULSA

The math is undeniable. A family needs space, stability, and affordability. In Tulsa, you can afford a house with a yard, a short commute, and excellent schools without being house-poor. The community feel and abundance of parks (especially the world-class Gathering Place) make it an incredible place to raise kids. Long Beach is a fantastic place to visit, but raising a family there on an average income is a financial high-wire act.

Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: LONG BEACH (with a caveat)

If you're young, single, and your career is in a high-paying field (or you're a remote worker with a coastal salary), Long Beach is an absolute playground. The social scene, diversity, and endless activities are unbeatable. The caveat? You need the money to play in this sandbox. If you're on a Tulsa-level salary, you'll be struggling to keep up. If you have the income, Long Beach offers a lifestyle Tulsa can't match.

Winner for Retirees: TULSA

This is a tough one, but Tulsa takes it. Retirees live on fixed incomes. The 55% cheaper rent and overall lower cost of living mean their nest egg goes much, much further. The slower pace of life and strong sense of community are perfect for this stage of life. While Long Beach's weather is a huge draw, the financial strain and higher crime rates make Tulsa the more practical and secure choice for retirement.

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City-Specific Pros & Cons

Long Beach, CA

• Pros:
  • Unbeatable, mild coastal weather.
  • Incredible cultural diversity and food scene.
  • Proximity to Los Angeles and Orange County.
  • Vibrant arts and music community.
  • Direct beach access.
• Cons:
  • Extremely high cost of living.
  • Brutal traffic and long commutes.
  • High taxes (state income tax).
  • Violent crime rates above the national average.
  • Competitive and expensive housing market.

Tulsa, OK

• Pros:
  • Massive affordability and purchasing power.
  • Low cost of living and attainable housing.
  • Short, easy commutes.
  • Strong, welcoming community feel.
  • No state income tax on Social Security (a retiree bonus!).
  • Surprisingly vibrant arts and food scene for its size.
• Cons:
  • Highest violent crime rate in this comparison.
  • Extreme weather (humid summers, cold/icy winters, tornado risk).
  • Lower average salaries.
  • Less diverse economy compared to a major coastal hub.
  • Far from major geographic landmarks (ocean, mountains).