Long Beach and Rancho Cucamonga, both located in southern California, offer distinctly different living environments. While Long Beach showcases a coastal destination with a vibrant cityscape and cultural diversity, Rancho Cucamonga is a suburban city, nestled against the San Gabriel Mountains. This comparison uses key indicators such as crime/safety, weather, cost of living, and education, among others, to help you make an informed decision on moving or visiting either of these cities.
Distance between
Long Beach, CA and
Rancho Cucamonga, CA : 39.8 miles
Long Beach's population is larger by 160%. Its population has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) since 2000. The population of Rancho Cucamonga has grown by 47,399 people (37.1%) during that time.
Long Beach's crime rates are higher compared to Rancho Cucamonga, partially due to its denser urban population. However, certain neighborhoods in Long Beach are safer than others, with East Long Beach being considered one of the safest. On the other hand, Rancho Cucamonga has a reputation as a safe, family-friendly city with crime rates significantly lower than the national average.
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
City-data.com crime index counts serious crimes and violent crime more heavily. It adjusts for the number of visitors and daily workers commuting into cities. (higher means more crime, U.S. average = 301.1)
Sex Offenders
According to our data, there are 807 registered sex offenders living in Long Beach and 106 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Long Beach is 583 to 1; the ratio in Rancho Cucamonga is 1,665 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is much larger in Long Beach than that in Rancho Cucamonga.
Cost of Living
Cost of living is higher in Long Beach than in Rancho Cucamonga. This is reflected in housing and rent prices, where Long Beach is comparatively higher, mainly because of its proximity to the coastline. Essential consumer goods, transportation, and utilities also tend to be pricier in Long Beach.
Income Tax
Both cities are in California, so residents are subject to California's progressive state income tax system, which ranges from 1% to 13.3% based on income level.
Property Tax
Property tax rates are slightly lower in Long Beach compared to Rancho Cucamonga. However, this is balanced by the generally higher property costs in Long Beach.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Long Beach is 10.25%, while in Rancho Cucamonga it is marginally lower at 8.75%. However, given California's high overall cost of living, this difference is often negligible.
Income
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Estimated median household income
$73,905
$83,850
Estimated per capita income
$37,217
$37,696
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
142
84
If you make $50,000 in Rancho Cucamonga, you will have to make $84,524 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Long Beach boasts miles of coastline, while Rancho Cucamonga is near mountains, offering different recreational opportunities. Both cities are susceptible to earthquakes due to their California location.
Both cities have highly rated school districts. However, Long Beach has a larger variety of schools, including both public and private options, and is home to California State University (CSULB). Rancho Cucamonga, on the other hand, is known for its quality K-12 schools but doesn’t offer as many choices for higher education.
Long Beach has a robust economy with diverse job opportunities in sectors like healthcare, education, aerospace, and port-related industries due to the Port of Long Beach. Rancho Cucamonga also has a balanced economy with career prospects in retail, manufacturing, and logistics, attributed to its strategic location along major transport routes.
Biggest Employers
In Long Beach, some of the largest employers are Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach Unified School District, and the City of Long Beach. Conversely, in Rancho Cucamonga, top employers include Inland Empire Health Plan, Chaffey College, and the City of Rancho Cucamonga.
There were 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011) compared to 107 building permits issued in Rancho Cucamonga in 2012 (77 less than in 2011).
In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Rancho Cucamonga (San Bernardino County), 52.3% voted for Democrats and 45.0% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
2020
71.0%
54.2%
26.9%
43.6%
2.1%
2.2%
2016
72.0%
52.1%
22.5%
41.5%
5.5%
6.4%
2012
69.7%
52.3%
27.8%
45.0%
2.4%
2.6%
2008
69.2%
52.2%
28.8%
45.8%
1.9%
2.0%
2004
63.3%
43.8%
35.7%
55.6%
1.0%
0.6%
2000
63.6%
47.3%
32.4%
48.8%
4.0%
3.9%
1996
59.3%
44.4%
31.0%
43.6%
9.7%
12.1%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
CATHOLIC CHURCH
36.1%
21.9%
4.7%
4.3%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
1.0%
2.2%
9.0%
9.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.7%
0.6%
1.0%
1.1%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.5%
0.3%
3.1%
1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
1.6%
2.4%
4.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.4%
0.1%
1.4%
1.3%
Weather
Both cities enjoy a Mediterranean climate, but Long Beach experiences cooler summers and milder winters due to its coastal location. It also likely experiences morning fog that keeps temperatures down. Rancho Cucamonga, however, has hotter summers and colder winters owing to its inland position and mountainous surroundings.
Weather and climate
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Temperature - Average
65.3°F
64.5°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
70.4%
65.2%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
27%
20.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
79%
71.4%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
52%
51.3%
Precipitation - Yearly average
13.1 in
26.9 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
26.4%
27.6%
Sunshine amount - Average
78.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
21.8%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
85%
84.7%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
63%
62.9%
Wind speed - Average
6.1 mph
3.9 mph
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Average climate in Rancho Cucamonga, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
2018
124
152
0.37
0.37
17.2
15.5
22.1
29.0
0.008
0.006
27.5
34.7
13.5
15.3
0.7
0.4
2017
122
152
0.36
0.43
18.1
15.9
23.2
32.3
0.007
0.005
26.7
34.3
14.5
16.6
0.8
0.2
2016
115
140
0.36
0.39
18.5
16.7
21.9
32.3
0.007
0.006
24.1
28.4
11.6
16.9
0.9
0.4
2015
111
147
0.38
0.36
19.9
16.4
22.5
31.4
0.005
0.005
25.0
30.0
13.9
15.9
0.9
0.3
2014
127
146
0.50
0.36
20.3
17.3
22.0
29.6
0.007
0.006
26.7
32.2
14.3
17.4
1.3
0.3
2013
126
145
0.48
0.34
20.0
18.7
24.7
27.4
0.005
0.006
32.3
32.9
14.6
16.2
1.0
0.4
2012
132
147
0.48
0.38
19.3
19.7
24.4
28.6
0.004
0.006
30.8
33.4
14.1
18.2
0.6
0.6
2011
119
147
0.43
0.39
20.2
19.7
23.4
27.0
0.006
0.006
28.4
31.6
15.6
20.6
1.2
0.5
2010
115
146
0.38
0.40
20.8
20.5
22.7
28.3
0.011
0.008
24.1
29.0
11.9
18.7
0.7
1.0
2009
132
153
0.50
0.38
21.0
22.7
22.0
27.8
0.008
0.008
27.7
26.6
13.1
19.6
1.1
1.0
2008
124
161
0.53
0.45
20.8
22.5
23.2
28.3
0.008
0.009
27.2
30.4
21.6
18.2
1.0
1.5
2007
109
136
0.60
0.54
20.3
26.1
21.1
26.4
0.010
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.4
1.7
2006
119
125
0.76
0.60
21.4
29.2
19.9
26.1
0.005
0.007
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
1.8
2005
108
134
0.74
0.64
24.3
30.1
20.5
22.7
0.011
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.7
2.3
2004
125
139
0.56
0.68
28.0
29.1
22.9
23.3
0.012
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
1.3
2003
130
141
0.83
0.48
28.1
32.6
22.4
22.9
0.032
0.019
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
1.0
2002
120
137
0.90
0.39
29.6
34.9
22.2
23.0
0.011
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.8
1.1
2001
124
142
0.81
0.94
30.3
35.9
21.5
22.4
0.011
0.034
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.3
1.3
2000
142
153
0.71
0.99
31.5
36.6
19.6
22.2
0.018
0.038
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.0
1.9
Natural disasters
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
18.3%
17.5%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
6,875.1%
7,430.7%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
57%
46%
Transportation
Long Beach has a more developed public transport system, including buses, light rail, and ferries, making commuting easier for residents. While Rancho Cucamonga does have bus and commuter rail services, having a private vehicle is almost a necessity due to its suburban layout.
Transport
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
3
3
FAA registered aircraft
312
98
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
29
4
Means of transportation to work
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Bicycle
0.5%
0.2%
Bus
3.3%
0.8%
Carpooled
9.8%
11.4%
Car alone
81.8%
85.6%
Motorcycle
0.2%
0.2%
Railroad
0%
1%
Subway
0.5%
0.1%
Walked
2.8%
0.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Average
30.7 min
32.9 min
Other means
28.5 min
31.7 min
Public transportation
46.4 min
64 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Average
1.1
1.2
Drove alone
89.7%
89.8%
In 2 person carpool
8.5%
7.2%
In 3 person carpool
1.4%
2%
In 4 person carpool
0.3%
0.7%
In 5-6 person carpool
0%
0.2%
In 7+ person carpool
0%
0.2%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate is definitely pricier in Long Beach, attributed to its urban setting and coastal proximity. In contrast, Rancho Cucamonga offers more value for money with more sizable homes, although prices have been trending upwards due to increased demand.
Neighborhoods
Long Beach offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, from upscale Belmont Shore to artsy East Village. Rancho Cucamonga, a more uniformly suburban city, boasts family-friendly neighborhoods like Victoria and Terra Vista.
Houses and residents
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
Houses
179,856
59,083
Average household size (people)
2.8
3
Median year apartment built
1964
1989
Median year house/condo built
1954
1986
Length of stay in the house since moving in
15.7 years
13.8 years
Houses occupied
172,599 (96%)
57,290 (97%)
Houses occupied by owners
69,470 (40.2%)
33,694 (58.8%)
Houses occupied by renters
103,129 (59.8%)
23,596 (41.2%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,057
$1,222
Median monthly housing costs
$1,692
$2,005
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$520,992
$551,487
Estimated median house or condo value
$693,600
$632,700
Median numbers of rooms
4.2
5.7
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.6
4.1
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.5
6.5
Median house price - detached houses
$900,658
$726,916
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$495,928
$405,195
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$488,399
$821,505
Median house price - mobile homes
$333,777
$408,290
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$634,684
$401,850
Median house price - All housing units
$805,766
$691,155
Median house age
62
33
Renting percentage
58.4%
35.2%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
3,565.7
1,577.8
House value disparities
21.3%
22%
Household income disparities
44.7%
40.8%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$116,421
$111,063
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$79,392
$79,041
Housing units without a mortgage
394 (0.8%)
452 (1.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,069 (6.2%)
1,873 (7.6%)
Housing units with a mortgage
49,321 (99.2%)
24,110 (98.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
48 (0.1%)
205 (0.8%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
3,709 (7.5%)
2,544 (10.4%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
15
13
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
3
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.6%
1.3%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.4%
0.5%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
One, detached
40.2%
60.0%
One, attached
4.9%
8.0%
Two
5.3%
1.6%
3 or 4
8.8%
7.3%
5 to 9
10.4%
3.4%
10 to 19
10.8%
1.6%
20 to 49
8.0%
3.3%
50 or more
10.6%
12.9%
Mobile homes
0.8%
1.9%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.0%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
18,532
5,071
State government workers
6,550
2,611
Unpaid family workers
178
0
Industries and Occupations
Long Beach is renowned for its thriving tourism, shipping, and healthcare industries, providing a range of occupations. Rancho Cucamonga, on the other hand, has major employment sectors in retail, distribution, and logistics, with the city's location near major highways and railways playing a key role.
Healthcare facilities in both cities are top-notch. Long Beach offers a larger number of hospitals due to its size, whereas Rancho Cucamonga's smaller population is well served by facilities like the San Antonio Regional Hospital.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Long Beach’s infrastructure, with its well-developed transport system, diverse housing options, and various attractions like the Aquarium of the Pacific, is more complex. Rancho Cucamonga is a newer city with growing infrastructure, including an expanding retail and restaurant scene and recreational areas like the Pacific Electric Trail..
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Long Beach
Rancho Cucamonga
1999
1,159
509
2000
710
326
2001
677
299
2002
708
361
2003
1,861
873
2004
2,162
1,152
2005
3,065
1,384
2006
3,591
1,318
2007
2,287
888
2008
887
357
2009
475
201
Culture and Food
Long Beach has a more culturally diverse food scene, with cuisines from around the globe. The city also hosts several cultural festivals throughout the year. Rancho Cucamonga, while having a burgeoning food scene, is less diverse culturally but does offer a rich local winery and brewery scene.
Sports Teams
While neither city has a home-based professional sports team, their southern California location affords easy access to Los Angeles's teams, with Long Beach having a slight advantage due to its closer proximity.
Long Beach, CA
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
