Houston, TX and Long Beach, CA, both have distinct charms, offering a unique set of qualities that appeal to different lifestyles. Whether for relocation or tourism purposes, each city has its strengths and drawbacks in aspects such as crime and safety, weather, cost of living, education, economy, infrastructure, tax rates, culture and food, sports teams, geographical conditions, and health care.
Distance between
Houston, TX and
Long Beach, CA : 1,363.4 miles
Houston's population is larger by 402%. Its population has grown by 334,619 people (17.1%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
Houston, TX experiences higher crime rates compared to the national average, which may place concern regarding personal safety. Though resources and initiatives are in place to combat this, it remains a point of interest for potential residents and tourists. On the other hand, Long Beach, CA, has a lower crime rate than Houston, but it's slightly higher than the national average. Both cities are actively working to improve safety conditions, but overall, Long Beach is statistically safer.
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 7,873 registered sex offenders living in Houston and 807 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Houston is 293 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 583 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Houston than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
The cost of living is higher in Long Beach than in Houston. This can be attributed to higher housing costs in California, influenced by its stunning coastlines and desirable climate. On the other hand, Houston is among the cities with a reasonable cost of living in the U.S., with housing being more affordable. Hence, Houston tends to attract individuals and families seeking to benefit from a lower cost of living.
Income Tax
A significant advantage for residents in Houston is Texas' no state income tax policy, which considerably reduces overall annual taxation. In contrast, California, including Long Beach, has among the highest state income taxes in the U.S., with rates ranging from 1% to 13.3%.
Property Tax
Houston has a higher property tax average of around 2.09% of a property's assessed fair market value compared to Long Beach, where the average is around 0.73%. This difference is significant for homeowners, and thus, it is a point of consideration for long-term residency.
Sales Tax
Sales tax in Houston is 8.25%, combining both state and local rates. California has a state sales tax of 7.25%, but Long Beach imposes an additional local rate, bringing the total to a higher 10.25%.
Income
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$55,499
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$36,265
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
97.2
142
If you make $50,000 in Houston, you will have to make $73,045 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Houston's flat, expansive landscape differs significantly from Long Beach's more varied geography, which offers coastal beaches paired with views of the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It's important to note; however, Houston's proximity to the Gulf of Mexico does mean occasional hurricane risks.
Both cities offer a myriad of educational opportunities, with many renowned institutions. Houston is home to over 30 institutions of higher learning, including Rice University and the University of Houston. In contrast, Long Beach houses California State University, Long Beach, and Long Beach City College. However, Long Beach has a slightly better high school graduation rate compared to that of Houston.
Houston's economy is robust, with a focus on industries like energy, aeronautics, and health care. The city is known for its strong job market, and it's also a hub for Fortune 500 companies. In comparison, Long Beach has a diverse economy, with leading sectors including healthcare, trade, education, and the arts. The Port of Long Beach is one of the world's largest shipping ports, making it a vital part of the city's economy.
Biggest Employers
In Houston, large employers include the Texas Medical Center, NASA's Johnson Space Center, and numerous oil corporations. On the other hand, Long Beach’s biggest employers include the Long Beach Unified School District, the City of Long Beach, and the Port of Long Beach.
There were 7,146 building permits issued in Houston in 2012 (4571 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In Houston (Harris County), 49.4% voted for Democrats and 49.3% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
2020
56.0%
71.0%
42.7%
26.9%
1.3%
2.1%
2016
54.0%
72.0%
41.6%
22.5%
4.4%
5.5%
2012
49.4%
69.7%
49.3%
27.8%
1.3%
2.4%
2008
50.5%
69.2%
48.9%
28.8%
0.6%
1.9%
2004
44.6%
63.3%
54.9%
35.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
43.0%
63.6%
54.4%
32.4%
2.6%
4.0%
1996
45.2%
59.3%
49.2%
31.0%
5.6%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.1%
36.1%
3.6%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
14.2%
1.0%
26.8%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
2.9%
0.7%
1.6%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
1.4%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.7%
0.2%
1.5%
1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.7%
2.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.5%
0.1%
3.1%
Weather
Houston experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and mild winters which can be appealing to those who enjoy warm weather all-year-round. However, it's also prone to extreme heat and hurricanes. In contrast, Long Beach boasts a Mediterranean-type climate, characterized by year-round mild-to-high temperatures with minimal rainfall. It offers a typically Californian climate, providing a draw for many potential residents and tourists.
Weather and climate
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
69.7°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
80.3%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
36.7%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
92.8%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
56.1%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
52.9 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
0.6 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
15%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
60.4%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
24%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
67%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
43%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.2 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in Houston, Texas
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
Houston
Long Beach
2018
102
124
0.19
0.37
9.2
17.2
21.5
22.1
N/A
0.008
27.5
N/A
10.0
13.5
0.3
0.7
2017
96
122
0.16
0.36
9.4
18.1
23.1
23.2
N/A
0.007
26.7
N/A
9.1
14.5
0.3
0.8
2016
91
115
0.16
0.36
10.4
18.5
22.7
21.9
N/A
0.007
24.1
N/A
8.6
11.6
0.2
0.9
2015
109
111
0.15
0.38
10.1
19.9
21.7
22.5
N/A
0.005
25.0
N/A
9.9
13.9
0.2
0.9
2014
98
127
0.24
0.50
10.4
20.3
21.8
22.0
N/A
0.007
26.7
N/A
10.2
14.3
0.3
1.3
2013
106
126
0.25
0.48
11.1
20.0
23.0
24.7
N/A
0.005
32.3
N/A
10.6
14.6
0.4
1.0
2012
115
132
0.25
0.48
11.6
19.3
23.8
24.4
N/A
0.004
30.8
N/A
11.1
14.1
0.5
0.6
2011
118
119
0.27
0.43
10.8
20.2
24.6
23.4
N/A
0.006
28.4
N/A
11.5
15.6
0.8
1.2
2010
110
115
0.25
0.38
12.8
20.8
22.8
22.7
N/A
0.011
24.1
N/A
11.4
11.9
1.1
0.7
2009
115
132
0.21
0.50
10.5
21.0
22.1
22.0
N/A
0.008
27.7
N/A
11.4
13.1
1.0
1.1
2008
105
124
0.30
0.53
13.1
20.8
22.1
23.2
0.006
0.008
27.2
N/A
12.4
21.6
1.3
1.0
2007
119
109
0.31
0.60
15.2
20.3
20.5
21.1
0.006
0.010
N/A
N/A
13.5
N/A
1.9
1.4
2006
134
119
0.32
0.76
14.6
21.4
22.3
19.9
0.006
0.005
N/A
N/A
13.0
N/A
2.3
1.7
2005
126
108
0.42
0.74
16.3
24.3
22.8
20.5
0.005
0.011
N/A
N/A
13.9
N/A
3.5
2.7
2004
137
125
0.44
0.56
17.7
28.0
20.4
22.9
0.010
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
2.0
2003
146
130
0.62
0.83
17.0
28.1
20.9
22.4
0.009
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.2
1.1
2002
128
120
0.55
0.90
16.1
29.6
19.7
22.2
0.007
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.7
2.8
2001
147
124
0.44
0.81
18.4
30.3
19.6
21.5
0.008
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.5
3.3
2000
136
142
0.50
0.71
17.0
31.5
22.0
19.6
0.008
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
3.1
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
187.3%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
63.9%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
32%
57%
Transportation
Both cities have comprehensive public transportation systems. However, Houston's METRO rail system, paired with an extensive road network, makes commuting slightly more straightforward. In contrast, Long Beach offers various options like buses, trains, and a bike share program, but city dwellers often prefer cars.
Transport
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
2
3
FAA registered aircraft
1
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
44
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Bicycle
0.5%
0.5%
Bus
2.4%
3.3%
Carpooled
11.1%
9.8%
Car alone
81.2%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0.1%
0.2%
Railroad
0.1%
0%
Subway
0%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Average
32 min
30.7 min
Other means
27.1 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
47.6 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.4%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
9.7%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.4%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.4%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.3%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Houston's real estate market is more affordable compared to Long Beach, owing to the higher living costs in California. However, Long Beach real estate offers stunning coastal properties, which appeals to many. Each city provides a range of property types, from modern apartments to traditional family homes.
Neighborhoods
Houston boasts a range of diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique personality. Areas such as The Woodlands and Sugar Land are popular. Similarly, Long Beach offers an eclectic mix of neighborhoods such as Belmont Shore and Naples, cherished for their sandy beaches and active nightlife.
Houses and residents
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Houses
1,028,763
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Median year apartment built
1985
1964
Median year house/condo built
1976
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
14.4 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
924,981 (89.9%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
390,226 (42.2%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
534,755 (57.8%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,323
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$1,134
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$334,556
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$236,700
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.4
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.5
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
$348,048
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$232,228
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$205,330
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$297,061
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$68,903
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$299,072
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$337,365
$805,766
Median house age
40
62
Renting percentage
54.6%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,775.5
3,565.7
House value disparities
40.9%
21.3%
Household income disparities
49%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$109,539
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$65,707
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
4,386 (2.1%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
7,696 (3.6%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
207,809 (97.9%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
421 (0.2%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
11,969 (5.6%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
13
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
2.4%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
1.5%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Houston
Long Beach
One, detached
43.2%
40.2%
One, attached
4.8%
4.9%
Two
2.2%
5.3%
3 or 4
4.4%
8.8%
5 to 9
7.1%
10.4%
10 to 19
10.9%
10.8%
20 to 49
7.7%
8.0%
50 or more
18.6%
10.6%
Mobile homes
0.9%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.1%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
75,956
18,532
State government workers
38,359
6,550
Unpaid family workers
2,429
178
Industries and Occupations
Oil and gas exploration dominate Houston's industry, but healthcare and construction are also significant sectors. Similarly, the healthcare sector is prominent in Long Beach, but the city also has a deep-rooted history in aerospace, design and digital industries. Occupations in these industries provide numerous job opportunities in their respective cities.
Houston, with its Texas Medical Center—the largest medical center worldwide—boasts of top-notch healthcare facilities leading in research and treatment. Long Beach does not fall behind, with leading hospitals like Long Beach Medical Center and Miller Children's & Women's Hospital Long Beach offering exceptional care services.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Houston
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Houston's infrastructure is highly developed, with ongoing measures to improve roads, bridges, and public buildings. The city also has considerable energy infrastructure. Long Beach also boasts of efficient infrastructure, with a focus on sustainable development and renovations. The city's blend of historical and modern architecture adds to its unique charm.
Infrastructure
Type
Houston
Long Beach
Hospitals
156
17
TV stations
26
5
Arenas or stadiums
6
2
Bank branches located here
755
67
Bank institutions located here
81
18
Main business address for public companies
197
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
49
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Houston
Long Beach
1999
9,163
1,159
2000
0
710
2001
0
677
2002
0
708
2003
8,173
1,861
2004
11,803
2,162
2005
15,127
3,065
2006
16,911
3,591
2007
10,643
2,287
2008
4,410
887
2009
2,279
475
Culture and Food
Both cities have rich cultural scenes. Houston, with its Southern charm, offers a variety of food with Tex-Mex and BBQ being local favorites. Long Beach offers a mix of global cuisines from fish tacos to Cambodian dishes, owing to its diverse population. It also features various arts and music festivals throughout the year.
Sports Teams
Sports fans would love both cities. Houston is home to the Rockets (NBA), Astros (MLB), and Texans (NFL). Long Beach does not have its sports teams but resides next to Los Angeles, making teams like the Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), and Rams (NFL) local favorites.
Houston, TX
Long Beach, CA
Houston, TX and 
Long Beach, CA : 1,363.4 miles
