Bronx, NY vs Long Beach, CA - Advanced U.S. city comparison tool

Bronx, NY vs Long Beach, CA

The Bronx, New York, and Long Beach, California, are diverse urban areas within America, each offering distinctive experiences to live in or visit. Comparatively, the Bronx is known for its rich cultural heritage and gritty environment amplified by hustle-bustle, while Long Beach offers a relaxed beach atmosphere coupled with a thriving economy. In terms of safety, weather, economy, infrastructure, culture, and many other aspects, they present a contrasting lifestyle.

 
 
Distance between Bronx, NY and Long Beach, CA : 2,454.4 miles

Bronx's population is larger by 203%. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.

Population
Type Bronx Long Beach
Population 1,383,871 456,062
Female / male percentage 53.5% / 46.5%
53.5%
46.5%
51.3% / 48.7%
51.3%
48.7%
Racial makeup - percentage
Ethnicity BronxLong Beach
Hispanic 48.4% 42.3%
Black 31.2% 11.0%
White Non-Hispanic 14.5% 26.7%
Asian 2.9% 14.7%
Two or more 2.0% 4.2%
American Indian 0.3% 0.2%
Pacific Islander 0.0% 0.2%
Racial makeup - absolute values
Ethnicity BronxLong Beach
Hispanic 644,705 193,000
Black 416,338 50,199
White Non-Hispanic 193,651 121,546
Asian 38,558 67,238
Two or more 27,209 19,258
American Indian 3,488 1,107
Pacific Islander 474 1,026

Crime and Safety

In comparing both destinations, the Bronx has a higher crime rate than Long Beach. Although efforts have been made to reduce crime in the Bronx, it remains a significant concern for both residents and tourists. On the other hand, Long Beach has experienced a decrease in crime rates over the years, making it comparatively safer. That said, as in any large city, crime rates can greatly differ from one neighborhood to another.

Cost of Living

Broadly speaking, the cost of living in the Bronx is noticeably lower than in Long Beach. This applies to rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. However, wages may also be lower in the Bronx. For those considering relocating, it would be important to factor this into their decision-making.

Income Tax

The Bronx residents pay New York City’s local income tax, which ranges from 2.907% to 3.876% in addition to New York State's. However, California, where Long Beach is located, has a significantly higher state income tax rate that ranges from 1% to 13.3% depending on income.

Property Tax

The property tax rate in the Bronx, as part of New York City, is about 0.90%, while it is much lower in Long Beach, at approximately 0.72%. This, coupled with significantly higher property values in Long Beach, can make home ownership more expensive in Long Beach.

Sales Tax

New York City has a 4.5% city sales tax while New York State adds another 4%, totaling 8.5%. Meanwhile, Long Beach has a 9.5% sales tax, which includes state, county, and city tax.

Income
Type Bronx Long Beach
Estimated median household income $43,011 $73,905
Estimated per capita income $23,354 $37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100) 172.8 142

If you make $50,000 in Long Beach, you will have to make $60,845 in Bronx to maintain the same standard of living.

Geographical Conditions

The Bronx is an urban jungle, part of the continuously built urban area that is New York City. Its rivers and parks bring some nature into the city life. In contrast, Long Beach offers beachfront living, with palm trees, ocean views, and a slew of outdoor activities. The geography of both places significantly influences the lifestyle of its residents, with Long Beach emphasizing a more outdoorsy, beach-influenced life.

Geographical information
Type Bronx Long Beach
Land area 42 sq. miles 50.4 sq. miles
Population density 32,928 people per sq. mile 9,041.5 people per sq. mile
Elevation 120 feet 29 feet
Relative area comparison
Bronx, NY Long Beach, CA

Education

Both cities boast an array of quality educational institutions. The Bronx, part of the massive New York City school system, offers a wide array of public, charter, and private schools. Long Beach, on the other hand, has an equally admirable school system and hosts the second largest university in California, offering residents and students a wealth of educational opportunities.

School enrollment
Type Bronx Long Beach
Nursery, preschool 22,793 (5.4%) 3,330 (3.1%)
Kindergarten 24,893 (5.9%) 5,130 (4.8%)
Grade 1 to 4 100,033 (23.9%) 20,647 (19.3%)
Grade 5 to 8 90,900 (21.7%) 20,797 (19.4%)
Grade 9 to 12 94,481 (22.5%) 19,650 (18.3%)
College undergrad 70,836 (16.9%) 29,958 (27.9%)
Graduate or professional 15,178 (3.6%) 7,707 (7.2%)
Students in private schools - absolute values
Type Count
Grade BronxLong Beach
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 26,911 3,638
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 15,241 1,393
Undergraduate colleges 27,103 3,750
Students in private schools - percentage
Type Percentage
Grade BronxLong Beach
Grades 1 to 8 (elementary and middle school) 14.1% 8.8%
Grades 9 to 12 (high school) 16.1% 7.1%
Undergraduate colleges 38.3% 12.5%
Educational attainment
Type Bronx Long Beach
Less than high school 37.7% 16.4%
High school or equiv. 25.8% 18.5%
Less than 1 year of college 5.1% 5.2%
1 or more years of college 11.3% 15.5%
Associate degree 5.4% 7.4%
Bachelor's degree 8.8% 23.9%
Master's degree 3.8% 9.5%
Profess. school degree 1.4% 1.9%
Doctorate degree 0.6% 1.7%
Education level (25-year-olds and older)
Type Bronx Long Beach
Bachelor's degree or higher 14.6% 37%
Graduate or professional degree 5.9% 13.1%
High school or higher 62.3% 83.6%

Work and Economy

The economy in the Bronx is largely driven by health care, education, and retail trade, while Long Beach has a more diversified economy with strong sectors in health care, education, trade, and manufacturing. Consequently, Long Beach provides more job opportunities and has a lower unemployment rate compared to the Bronx.

Biggest Employers

The Bronx's largest employers are in the healthcare and education sectors. Notably, Montefiore Medical Center and Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center provide an abundance of jobs. Long Beach's largest employers include Long Beach Unified School District, the City of Long Beach, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, and Boeing.

In Bronx (Bronx County), 91.9% voted for Democrats and 8.1% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Long Beach (Los Angeles County), 69.7% voted for Democrats and 27.8% for Republicans.

Elections
Type DemocratsRepublicansOther
Year BronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong Beach
2020 83.7% 71.0% 16.0% 26.9% 0.3% 2.1%
2016 88.6% 72.0% 9.5% 22.5% 2.0% 5.5%
2012 91.9% 69.7% 8.1% 27.8% 0.0% 2.4%
2008 89.0% 69.2% 11.0% 28.8% 0.0% 1.9%
2004 82.9% 63.3% 16.5% 35.7% 0.6% 1.0%
2000 86.5% 63.6% 11.8% 32.4% 1.7% 4.0%
1996 85.8% 59.3% 10.5% 31.0% 3.7% 9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type AdherentsCongregations
Religion BronxLong BeachBronxLong Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH 25.5% 36.1% 11.5% 4.7%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE 2.8% 0.7% 3.9% 1.0%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA 0.7% 0.5% 4.4% 3.1%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH 0.7% 0.5% 6.5% 2.4%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH 0.4% 0.4% 3.7% 1.4%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION 0.2% 1.0% 2.4% 9.0%

Weather

The Bronx experiences a temperate seasonal climate, with hot summers and cold winters. Some visitors and potential residents may find the hot and humid summers uncomfortable. On the other hand, Long Beach has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and mild winters, making it more favorable for outdoor activities year-round.

Weather and climate
Type Bronx Long Beach
Temperature - Average 54.7°F 65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity 67.2% 70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity 26.4% 27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 75.6% 79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity 49.2% 52%
Precipitation - Yearly average 47 in 13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average 54.5 in 0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds 16.5% 26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average 60.2% 78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year 20% 22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly 64% 85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly 44% 63%
Wind speed - Average 10.7 mph 6.1 mph

Average climate in Bronx, New York

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Average climate in Long Beach, California

Chicago, Illinois average temperatures Chicago, Illinois average precipitation Chicago, Illinois humidity Chicago, Illinois wind speed Chicago, Illinois snowfall Chicago, Illinois sunshine Chicago, Illinois clear and cloudy days
 

Air pollution
Type AQICONO2OZONEPBPM10PM25SO2
Year BronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong BeachBronxLong Beach
2018 102 124 0.31 0.37 15.8 17.2 24.4 22.1 N/A 0.008 N/A 27.5 7.4 13.5 0.6 0.7
2017 100 122 0.04 0.36 15.7 18.1 24.6 23.2 N/A 0.007 N/A 26.7 7.0 14.5 0.6 0.8
2016 98 115 0.30 0.36 16.4 18.5 24.6 21.9 N/A 0.007 N/A 24.1 7.2 11.6 0.8 0.9
2015 105 111 0.28 0.38 18.0 19.9 23.6 22.5 N/A 0.005 N/A 25.0 8.6 13.9 1.4 0.9
2014 99 127 0.32 0.50 18.0 20.3 23.6 22.0 N/A 0.007 N/A 26.7 8.4 14.3 1.7 1.3
2013 103 126 0.39 0.48 18.9 20.0 23.5 24.7 N/A 0.005 N/A 32.3 9.3 14.6 2.1 1.0
2012 104 132 0.44 0.48 18.8 19.3 23.9 24.4 N/A 0.004 N/A 30.8 9.7 14.1 3.1 0.6
2011 113 119 0.46 0.43 20.9 20.2 22.1 23.4 N/A 0.006 N/A 28.4 11.6 15.6 4.5 1.2
2010 113 115 0.53 0.38 20.2 20.8 23.7 22.7 N/A 0.011 N/A 24.1 10.8 11.9 4.7 0.7
2009 107 132 0.53 0.50 22.3 21.0 19.5 22.0 N/A 0.008 N/A 27.7 10.8 13.1 5.4 1.1
2008 114 124 0.53 0.53 23.3 20.8 19.9 23.2 0.013 0.008 N/A 27.2 12.1 21.6 5.9 1.0
2007 122 109 0.60 0.60 24.6 20.3 19.1 21.1 0.016 0.010 N/A N/A 13.2 N/A 7.0 1.4
2006 120 119 0.50 0.76 25.0 21.4 18.9 19.9 0.018 0.005 N/A N/A 12.8 N/A 7.0 1.7
2005 115 108 0.60 0.74 27.0 24.3 17.8 20.5 N/A 0.011 N/A N/A N/A N/A 9.3 2.7
2004 109 125 0.62 0.56 25.6 28.0 16.7 22.9 0.030 0.012 N/A N/A N/A N/A 8.8 2.0
2003 110 130 0.75 0.83 27.4 28.1 17.1 22.4 0.022 0.032 26.9 N/A N/A N/A 8.9 1.1
2002 124 120 0.67 0.90 27.9 29.6 17.4 22.2 0.008 0.011 25.0 N/A N/A N/A 8.6 2.8
2001 126 124 0.66 0.81 30.0 30.3 17.8 21.5 0.020 0.011 22.8 N/A N/A N/A 10.0 3.3
2000 115 142 0.68 0.71 29.4 31.5 16.0 19.6 0.022 0.018 22.2 N/A N/A N/A 10.2 2.0
Natural disasters
Type Bronx Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average 58.3% 18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average 31% 6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average 14% 57%

Transportation

The Bronx, part of New York City, benefits from an extensive public transportation system – making commuting relatively easy. Long Beach also has a well-developed public transit system, with buses, a metro rail, and bike share programs, but the reliance on cars is more notable in Long Beach, reflecting the wider Los Angeles area preference.

Transport
Type Bronx Long Beach
Amtrak stations 0 1
Amtrak stations nearby 3 3
FAA registered aircraft 39 312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers 0 29
Means of transportation to work
Type Bronx Long Beach
Bicycle 0.2% 0.5%
Bus 15.6% 3.3%
Carpooled 9.3% 9.8%
Car alone 27% 81.8%
Motorcycle 0% 0.2%
Railroad 2% 0%
Streetcar 0.2% 0.1%
Subway 34.6% 0.5%
Taxicab 1.3% 0%
Walked 7.2% 2.8%
Means of transportation to work
Means of transportation to work
Average travel time to work
Type Bronx Long Beach
Average 44.2 min 30.7 min
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work
Travel time to work
Time leaving to work

Real Estate

Real estate prices in Long Beach are substantially higher than in the Bronx, reflecting California's generally high property values. However, both cities offer a range of housing options, from apartments to single-family homes, suitable for different income levels.

Neighborhoods

Both cities offer diverse neighborhoods to suit different lifestyles. The Bronx is known for neighborhoods like Riverdale, offering city panoramas, and Belmont, home to the famous Arthur Avenue, New York's real Little Italy. Long Beach is known for neighborhoods like Belmont Shore, known for its beachfront, and Bixby Knolls, recognized for its historic homes and growing arts scene.

Houses and residents
Type Bronx Long Beach
Houses 490,659 179,856
Average household size (people) 2.8 2.8
Houses occupied 463,212 (94.4%) 172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners 90,522 (19.5%) 69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters 372,690 (80.5%) 103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units $1,273 $1,057
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos $708,992 $520,992
Estimated median house or condo value $465,000 $693,600
Median number of rooms in apartments 3.7 3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos 5.1 5.5
Renting percentage 80.7% 58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile) 11,675 3,565.7
Household income disparities 50.2% 44.7%
Housing units without a mortgage 12,021 (34%) 394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan 105 (0.3%) 3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage 23,339 (66%) 49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan 2,053 (5.8%) 48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage 2,159 (6.1%) 3,709 (7.5%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities 1.4% 2.6%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities 1.7% 0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures BronxLong Beach
One, detached 5.8% 40.2%
One, attached 5.4% 4.9%
Two 8.4% 5.3%
3 or 4 7.4% 8.8%
5 to 9 3.9% 10.4%
10 to 19 6.3% 10.8%
20 to 49 25.4% 8.0%
50 or more 37.2% 10.6%
Mobile homes 0.1% 0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc. 0.0% 0.2%
Marital status
Type Bronx Long Beach
Divorced 8.7% 8%
Never married 39.9% 46.9%
Now married 44.4% 38.5%
Separated 6.6% 1.9%
Widowed 7.1% 4.7%
Class of workers - percentage
Class of Workers BronxLong Beach
Employee of private company 63.4% 67.5%
Local government workers 14.3% 8.5%
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 10.6% 9.1%
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 3.9% 8.0%
State government workers 3.4% 2.8%
Federal government workers 2.6% 1.6%
Self-employed in own incorporated business 1.6% 2.4%
Unpaid family workers 0.2% 0.1%
Class of workers - absolute values
Class of Workers BronxLong Beach
Employee of private company 271,824 156,053
Federal government workers 10,944 3,620
Local government workers 61,408 19,737
Private not-for-profit wage and salary workers 45,554 20,943
Self-employed in own incorporated business 6,837 5,524
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business 16,572 18,532
State government workers 14,515 6,550
Unpaid family workers 1,000 178

Industries and Occupations

Healthcare, retail trade, and education are the largest industries in the Bronx. In Long Beach, the largest industries are healthcare, retail trade, manufacturing, and educational services. The most common occupations in the Bronx are office and administrative support roles, while in Long Beach, management roles are more prevalent.

Food environment data per 10,000 residents
Food environment statistics BronxLong Beach
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 0.3 1.2
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 0.6 0.6
Number of full-service restaurants 3.1 7.2
Number of grocery stores 6.1 2.1
Food environment - absolute values
Food environment statistics BronxLong Beach
Number of convenience stores (no gas) 46 1,206
Number of convenience stores (with gas) 89 567
Number of full-service restaurants 435 7,008
Number of grocery stores 839 2,084
Number of supercenters and club stores 0 32
Obesity and diabetes
Food environment statistics rate BronxLong Beach
Adult diabetes rate 8.8% 7.5%
Adult obesity rate 25.4% 20.4%
Low-income preschool obesity rate 15.4% 18.6%

Health Care

The healthcare facilities in the Bronx are extensive, with several renowned hospitals and clinics. Long Beach also offers excellent health care services featuring a mix of hospitals, clinics, and specialized care facilities. Health care access is generally good in both cities, but it is dependent on health insurance, as it is throughout the United States.

Health (county statistics)
Type Bronx Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent) 3.2 3.5
Average weight of females (lbs) 160 lbs 154.6 lbs
Average weight of males (lbs) 188.8 lbs 185 lbs
Residents visited a dentist within the past year 67% 68.1%
Residents exercised in the past month 67.5% 74.7%
Residents keep firearms around their homes 2.6% 12.9%
Adult residents drank alcohol in the past 30 days 73.2% 69.2%
Residents smoked 100+ cigarettes in their lives 39.6% 37.8%
Mechanisms of homicide
Mechanism BronxLong Beach
Homicides from 2000 to 2006 1,254 7,493
Cut / Pierce 226 577
Firearm 717 6,003
Poisoning 0 21
Struck by / against 0 39
Suffocation 45 166
Terrorism 92 23
Transportation - Related, Overall 95 34
Mechanisms of homicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism BronxLong Beach
Homicides from 2000 to 2006 132.4 110.2
Cut / Pierce 23.9 8.5
Firearm 75.7 88.3
Suffocation 4.8 2.4
Terrorism 9.7 0.3
Transportation - Related, Overall 10.0 0.5
Mechanisms of suicide per 1,000,000 residents
Mechanism BronxLong Beach
Suicides from 2000 to 2006 51.9 72.9
Cut / Pierce 0 2.0
Fall 11.0 3.8
Firearm 11.5 30.7
Poisoning 6.4 11.9
Suffocation 16.6 20.5

Infrastructure

Both cities have developed infrastructures, albeit different in style. The Bronx, like much of New York City, has an old-world charm with historic buildings, while Long Beach offers a mix of modern and retro architecture. In terms of infrastructure readiness, both cities are equipped to handle the daily needs of their populations but with different challenges in terms of maintenance and improvement.

Infrastructure
Type Bronx Long Beach
Hospitals 57 17
TV stations 30 5
Bank branches located here 118 67
Bank institutions located here 24 18
Main business address for public companies 2 11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past 1 2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past 4 1

Schools

School facilities
Type Bronx Long Beach
Private elementary/middle schools 54 24
Private high schools 20 8
Public elementary/middle schools 285 61
Public high schools 155 14
Colleges/Universities 9 7

Culture and Food

The Bronx boasts a rich cultural diversity with many ethnic restaurants, the famous Yankee Stadium, and the Bronx Zoo. It's home to significant Italian and Latin American communities, reflecting in its culinary landscape. Long Beach, similarly diverse, offers a strong beach culture, Art Deco architecture, and a variety of food options reflecting its mix of residents – from seafood to Mexican, and everything in between. Plus, its proximity to Los Angeles brings a more widespread influence of cultures.

Sports Teams

As part of New York City, The Bronx is home to the world-renowned New York Yankees. On the other hand, Long Beach does not have any major league sports teams itself, but it's not far from Los Angeles, home to teams such as the Lakers (NBA), Dodgers (MLB), and Rams (NFL).