While Tucson, Arizona and Long Beach, California are both prominent Western US cities, they offer differing experiences in terms of lifestyle, climate, and economy. Tucson offers a unique desert lifestyle with an affordable cost of living, while Long Beach, closer to the Pacific coast, provides diverse cultures and industries, but with a higher cost of living. Note that varying factors such as crime and safety, taxes, or healthcare may significantly affect the choice to either visit or relocate to these cities.
Distance between
Tucson, AZ and
Long Beach, CA : 433.5 miles
Tucson's population is larger by 19%. Its population has grown by 56,543 people (11.6%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
Tucson's crime rate is relatively higher than the national average with property crime being a significant concern. However, recently, Tucson has seen a steady decline in violent crimes. Long Beach’s crime rate also stands above the national average, but it's mostly safer than other cities in California. As is the case with any city, safety can significantly vary from neighborhood to neighborhood.
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 1,383 registered sex offenders living in Tucson and 807 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Tucson is 384 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 Tucson than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Tucson is remarkably manageable, sitting considerably lower than the national average thanks to affordable housing. On the other hand, Long Beach has a considerably higher cost of living, primarily driven by housing costs which lay significantly higher than the national average.
Income Tax
Arizona's income tax rate is progressive and can reach 4.5%, while California's is also progressive but can reach up to 13.3% for the highest earners.
Property Tax
Both Tucson and Long Beach have property taxes below the national average, with Arizona generally having lower property taxes than California.
Sales Tax
Tucson residents face a lower sales tax rate than Long Beach. California overall has one of the highest sales taxes in the country.
Income
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$50,306
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$27,821
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
90.1
142
If you make $50,000 in Tucson, you will have to make $78,801 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Tucson is in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by multiple mountain ranges. In contrast, Long Beach is a coastal city surrounded by urban development and vast beaches.
Both Tucson and Long Beach boast quality education. Tucson is home to the renowned University of Arizona. Long Beach, on the other hand, hosts California State University, Long Beach, and a wealth of esteemed public and private schools.
Tucson’s economy is full of diversity featuring sectors such as education, healthcare, and technology. Long Beach has a strong economy with sectors including healthcare, education, and technology, supplemented by the bustling shipping and tourism industries.
Biggest Employers
In Tucson, the University of Arizona, Raytheon Missile Systems, and Banner Health are the largest employers. In Long Beach, the top employers are the Long Beach Unified School District, the City of Long Beach, and The Boeing Company.
There were 1,134 building permits issued in Tucson in 2012 (832 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In Tucson (Pima County), 52.7% voted for Democrats and 45.7% 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
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
2020
58.4%
71.0%
39.8%
26.9%
1.7%
2.1%
2016
53.3%
72.0%
39.7%
22.5%
7.0%
5.5%
2012
52.7%
69.7%
45.7%
27.8%
1.6%
2.4%
2008
52.4%
69.2%
46.3%
28.8%
1.4%
1.9%
2004
52.7%
63.3%
46.7%
35.7%
0.6%
1.0%
2000
51.4%
63.6%
43.3%
32.4%
5.3%
4.0%
1996
52.2%
59.3%
39.4%
31.0%
8.5%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
20.8%
36.1%
7.9%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
2.3%
1.0%
10.4%
9.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.9%
0.2%
2.5%
1.9%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
0.8%
0.4%
1.4%
1.4%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.4%
0.2%
1.4%
1.6%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.3%
0.5%
1.9%
2.4%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.0%
0.5%
0.3%
3.1%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
0.0%
0.7%
0.2%
1.0%
Weather
Tucson owns a desert climate, having hot summers with temperatures often exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas winters are mild. Monsoon rainfalls present a brief summer respite. On the contrast, Long Beach enjoys a Mediterranean-like climate characterized by warm summers and mild winters, allowing for comfortable year-round outdoor recreation.
Weather and climate
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
70°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
38.6%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
46%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
58%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
12%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
12 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
32.3%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
92.8%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
15%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
94%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
79%
63%
Wind speed - Average
8.3 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in Tucson, Arizona
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
Tucson
Long Beach
2018
87
124
0.19
0.37
8.3
17.2
32.0
22.1
0.008
N/A
29.9
27.5
5.5
13.5
0.1
0.7
2017
73
122
0.18
0.36
8.4
18.1
31.7
23.2
0.007
N/A
32.2
26.7
7.1
14.5
0.1
0.8
2016
68
115
0.21
0.36
7.9
18.5
29.7
21.9
0.007
N/A
25.3
24.1
4.5
11.6
0.1
0.9
2015
62
111
0.21
0.38
8.7
19.9
29.7
22.5
0.005
N/A
25.4
25.0
5.1
13.9
0.2
0.9
2014
74
127
0.19
0.50
10.0
20.3
28.8
22.0
0.007
N/A
28.0
26.7
5.6
14.3
0.2
1.3
2013
94
126
0.17
0.48
10.4
20.0
30.4
24.7
0.005
N/A
30.9
32.3
6.8
14.6
0.2
1.0
2012
73
132
0.20
0.48
11.8
19.3
30.0
24.4
0.004
N/A
31.2
30.8
5.6
14.1
0.2
0.6
2011
81
119
0.22
0.43
11.9
20.2
31.0
23.4
0.006
N/A
29.7
28.4
5.8
15.6
0.3
1.2
2010
68
115
0.29
0.38
10.8
20.8
30.5
22.7
0.011
N/A
25.5
24.1
N/A
11.9
0.5
0.7
2009
82
132
0.25
0.50
11.2
21.0
29.2
22.0
0.008
N/A
31.9
27.7
N/A
13.1
0.5
1.1
2008
81
124
0.29
0.53
12.2
20.8
29.2
23.2
0.008
N/A
32.0
27.2
N/A
21.6
0.9
1.0
2007
75
109
0.37
0.60
13.4
20.3
28.7
21.1
0.010
N/A
27.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.9
1.4
2006
74
119
0.41
0.76
15.3
21.4
27.7
19.9
0.005
N/A
17.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.6
1.7
2005
76
108
0.43
0.74
15.1
24.3
26.0
20.5
0.011
N/A
17.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
2.7
2004
77
125
0.49
0.56
15.6
28.0
25.6
22.9
0.012
N/A
14.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
2.0
2003
81
130
0.57
0.83
17.2
28.1
27.1
22.4
0.032
N/A
19.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.2
1.1
2002
76
120
0.56
0.90
16.9
29.6
26.8
22.2
0.011
N/A
19.9
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
2.8
2001
70
124
0.55
0.81
16.4
30.3
26.1
21.5
0.011
N/A
23.2
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
3.3
2000
78
142
0.50
0.71
16.7
31.5
26.4
19.6
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
2.3
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
8.9%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
1,584.9%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
13%
57%
Transportation
Tucson has an effective road and freeway network, yet public transit is limited. Long Beach boasts an extensive public transit system and supports bicycle commuting.
Transport
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
983
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
14
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Bicycle
1%
0.5%
Bus
1.9%
3.3%
Carpooled
11.5%
9.8%
Car alone
81.9%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0.5%
0.2%
Subway
0%
0.5%
Walked
2.3%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Average
26 min
30.7 min
Other means
21.6 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
42.5 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.3%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
10.1%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.5%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
1%
0.3%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Compared to Long Beach, Tucson’s real-estate market is significantly more affordable. Long Beach’s housing market is relatively expensive, comprising both vintage and modern properties.
Neighborhoods
Tucson offers a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods. Long Beach offers diverse neighborhoods ranging from bustling downtown areas to quiet suburban enclaves.
Houses and residents
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Houses
242,816
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.8
Median year apartment built
1979
1964
Median year house/condo built
1978
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.2 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
223,068 (91.9%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
114,708 (51.4%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
108,360 (48.6%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$801.80
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$951
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$557,132
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$224,800
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.9
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
4
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
5.8
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
$262,219
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$147,793
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$125,313
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$135,055
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$48,136
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$210,375
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$234,849
$805,766
Median house age
43
62
Renting percentage
48.1%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,247.3
3,565.7
House value disparities
32.8%
21.3%
Household income disparities
44.9%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$76,356
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$54,612
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
1,087 (1.5%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
2,785 (3.9%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
70,054 (98.5%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
211 (0.3%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
4,051 (5.7%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
11
15
House/condo renter moved in on average (years ago)
1
3
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
1.2%
2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
0.8%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Tucson
Long Beach
One, detached
53.5%
40.2%
One, attached
8.3%
4.9%
Two
2.5%
5.3%
3 or 4
4.3%
8.8%
5 to 9
5.0%
10.4%
10 to 19
5.6%
10.8%
20 to 49
5.8%
8.0%
50 or more
8.6%
10.6%
Mobile homes
6.2%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.2%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
14,487
18,532
State government workers
17,981
6,550
Unpaid family workers
709
178
Industries and Occupations
Tucson's top industries include education, health services, and aerospace. Meanwhile, Long Beach's primary sectors include maritime, healthcare, manufacturing, and education.
Both cities offer quality healthcare facilities, yet Long Beach boasts significantly more facilities and specialists. Tucson is renowned for its excellent care in geriatrics and nephrology.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Tucson and Long Beach are both well-equipped with essential infrastructure. Tucson provides excellent road and freeway networks while Long Beach benefits from its proximity to Los Angeles and its robust public transit system.
Infrastructure
Type
Tucson
Long Beach
Hospitals
24
17
TV stations
20
5
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
159
67
Bank institutions located here
17
18
Main business address for public companies
6
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
0
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Tucson
Long Beach
1999
3,131
1,159
2000
1,601
710
2001
912
677
2002
778
708
2003
1,409
1,861
2004
2,041
2,162
2005
2,872
3,065
2006
2,833
3,591
2007
1,601
2,287
2008
714
887
2009
386
475
Culture and Food
Tucson is the first city in the US to be recognized as a "City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO. Long Beach boasts a rich cultural heritage with a diverse food scene that mirrors its multicultural population.
Sports Teams
While Tucson doesn't have major professional sports teams, it is home to the University of Arizona's Wildcats. Long Beach supports several sports teams either residing in or near the city, notably the Los Angeles Angels, the Lakers, and the Ducks.
Tucson, AZ
Long Beach, CA
Tucson, AZ and 
Long Beach, CA : 433.5 miles
