Dallas, Texas, and Long Beach, California, are two dynamic and diverse cities, each located in highly populous states. While differing in many aspects including weather, cost of living, education, and taxes, both cities present unique benefits to residents and tourists alike. This comparison will delve into aspects such as crime and safety, infrastructure, work and economy, and more to give a comprehensive overview of how these two cities compare.
Distance between
Dallas, TX and
Long Beach, CA : 1,233.8 miles
Dallas's population is larger by 183%. Its population has grown by 99,877 people (8.4%) since 2000. The population of Long Beach has decreased by 5,460 people (1.2%) during that time.
In terms of safety, Dallas has higher crime rates compared to Long Beach. According to FBI data, Dallas comes in above the national average for both violent and property crime, while Long Beach is close to the national average for violent crimes and slightly below for property crimes. It's worth noting, however, that safety can vary greatly by neighborhood in both cities, so it's crucial to research local data.
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 4,288 registered sex offenders living in Dallas and 834 registered sex offenders living in . The ratio of residents to sex offenders in Dallas is 307 to 1; the ratio in Long Beach is 564 to 1. The number of registered sex offenders compared to the number of residents is larger in Dallas than in Long Beach.
Cost of Living
Dallas generally boasts a lower cost of living compared to Long Beach. While this varies depending on the specific area and lifestyle, lower costs for housing, groceries, and health care contribute to Dallas's lower living costs. Conversely, the cost of living in Long Beach is significantly higher due to California's overall high housing costs.
Income Tax
In terms of income tax, Texas residents, including those in Dallas, benefit from no state income tax. Conversely, Long Beach residents, like all in California, are subject to state income tax, with rates ranging based on income level, potentially adding substantial costs for high earners.
Property Tax
Dallas, despite having no income tax, has relatively high property taxes compared to the national average. Conversely, Long Beach homeowners are subject to California's relatively lower property tax, somewhat offsetting the state's high housing prices.
Sales Tax
The sales tax in Dallas is 8.25%, comprised of both Texas' state sales tax and city sales tax. In contrast, Long Beach has a higher sales tax of 10.25%, reflecting California's higher taxation levels.
Income
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Estimated median household income
$57,995
$73,905
Estimated per capita income
$38,479
$37,217
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.1
142
If you make $50,000 in Dallas, you will have to make $73,881 in Long Beach to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Dallas, located in North Texas, is largely flat with some hilly areas, and is quite landlocked, while Long Beach, located in Southern California, boasts geography ranging from sandy beaches to urban environments, offering ocean access and stunning coastal views.
Both cities have strong education systems with diverse options for both pre-college and higher education. Dallas is home to more than 230 public schools and renowned universities like Southern Methodist University and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Meanwhile, Long Beach houses the prestigious California State University, Long Beach, one of the largest public universities within California.
Dallas's economic strength lies in diverse sectors like technology, healthcare, financial services, and defense. On the other hand, Long Beach's economic pillars include healthcare, trade, education, and professional services. The unemployment rates in both cities are fairly comparable to national averages.
Biggest Employers
In Dallas, some of the biggest employers include AT&T, Texas Health Resources, and Baylor Health Care System. Long Beach, meanwhile, is home to Long Beach Unified School District, the city government, and healthcare giants like Dignity Health, Molina Healthcare, and Long Beach Memorial Medical Center.
There were 2,245 building permits issued in Dallas in 2012 (1436 more than in 2011) compared to 304 building permits issued in Long Beach in 2012 (238 more than in 2011).
In Dallas (Dallas County), 57.3% voted for Democrats and 41.8% 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
Dallas
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
2020
65.1%
71.0%
33.4%
26.9%
1.4%
2.1%
2016
60.8%
72.0%
34.7%
22.5%
4.5%
5.5%
2012
57.3%
69.7%
41.8%
27.8%
1.0%
2.4%
2008
57.4%
69.2%
42.0%
28.8%
0.6%
1.9%
2004
49.0%
63.3%
50.4%
35.7%
0.5%
1.0%
2000
45.0%
63.6%
52.7%
32.4%
2.4%
4.0%
1996
46.0%
59.3%
46.8%
31.0%
7.2%
9.7%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Dallas
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
CATHOLIC CHURCH
18.9%
36.1%
2.4%
4.7%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
11.0%
1.0%
31.1%
9.0%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
3.6%
0.7%
1.1%
1.0%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.0%
0.4%
1.5%
1.4%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.5%
0.5%
1.7%
2.4%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
0.3%
0.2%
0.9%
1.9%
AMERICAN BAPTIST CHURCHES IN THE USA
0.1%
0.5%
0.2%
3.1%
Weather
Dallas offers a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and generally mild winters, with occasional cold snaps. In contrast, Long Beach has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The overall milder and cooler weather in Long Beach can be a significant draw for those sensitive to heat.
Weather and climate
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Temperature - Average
66.6°F
65.3°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
71.3%
70.4%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
34%
27%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
82%
79%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
48%
52%
Precipitation - Yearly average
37.3 in
13.1 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
4.2 in
0 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
22.8%
26.4%
Sunshine amount - Average
66.6%
78.4%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
20%
22%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
74%
85%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
54%
63%
Wind speed - Average
10.3 mph
6.1 mph
Average climate in Dallas, Texas
Average climate in Long Beach, California
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM10
PM25
SO2
Year
Dallas
Long Beach
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
Dallas
Long Beach
2018
86
124
0.37
N/A
5.7
17.2
28.7
22.1
N/A
0.008
27.5
N/A
9.7
13.5
0.4
0.7
2017
84
122
0.36
N/A
5.5
18.1
28.6
23.2
N/A
0.007
26.7
N/A
9.1
14.5
0.3
0.8
2016
81
115
0.36
N/A
6.1
18.5
27.2
21.9
N/A
0.007
24.1
N/A
8.4
11.6
0.2
0.9
2015
85
111
0.38
N/A
6.5
19.9
26.7
22.5
N/A
0.005
25.0
N/A
8.9
13.9
0.3
0.9
2014
83
127
0.50
N/A
6.3
20.3
27.6
22.0
N/A
0.007
26.7
N/A
9.9
14.3
0.3
1.3
2013
97
126
0.48
N/A
7.3
20.0
28.8
24.7
N/A
0.005
32.3
N/A
13.0
14.6
0.2
1.0
2012
116
132
0.48
N/A
8.6
19.3
31.0
24.4
N/A
0.004
30.8
N/A
12.0
14.1
0.3
0.6
2011
98
119
0.43
N/A
9.4
20.2
30.9
23.4
N/A
0.006
28.4
N/A
11.9
15.6
0.6
1.2
2010
79
115
0.38
N/A
9.4
20.8
28.3
22.7
N/A
0.011
24.1
N/A
N/A
11.9
0.7
0.7
2009
88
132
0.50
N/A
9.2
21.0
28.8
22.0
N/A
0.008
27.7
N/A
N/A
13.1
0.5
1.1
2008
88
124
0.53
N/A
9.8
20.8
29.2
23.2
0.121
0.008
27.2
N/A
N/A
21.6
0.5
1.0
2007
94
109
0.60
N/A
11.0
20.3
25.7
21.1
0.070
0.010
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.3
1.4
2006
107
119
0.76
N/A
10.8
21.4
30.6
19.9
0.106
0.005
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.7
1.7
2005
108
108
0.74
N/A
13.0
24.3
29.7
20.5
0.142
0.011
N/A
N/A
11.0
N/A
0.9
2.7
2004
96
125
0.56
N/A
12.3
28.0
26.0
22.9
0.099
0.012
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.8
2.0
2003
102
130
0.83
N/A
13.6
28.1
27.1
22.4
0.121
0.032
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
1.1
2002
100
120
0.90
N/A
14.0
29.6
25.2
22.2
0.080
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
0.4
2.8
2001
100
124
0.81
N/A
14.3
30.3
26.0
21.5
0.069
0.011
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.0
3.3
2000
109
142
0.71
N/A
14.5
31.5
27.0
19.6
0.092
0.018
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
1.1
2.0
Natural disasters
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
254.7%
18.3%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
567%
6,875.1%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
21%
57%
Transportation
Dallas has an extensive road infrastructure, accompanied by the DART public transit system, including buses, light rail, and commuter trains. Long Beach offers the Long Beach Transit service, which includes buses, shuttles, and water taxis, and also has access to the Los Angeles Metro system, making public commuting convenient in both cities.
Transport
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Amtrak stations
1
1
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
2
312
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
56
29
Means of transportation to work
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Bicycle
0.3%
0.5%
Bus
1.4%
3.3%
Carpooled
10.9%
9.8%
Car alone
83.9%
81.8%
Motorcycle
0%
0.2%
Railroad
0.2%
0%
Subway
0.2%
0.5%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
1.6%
2.8%
Average travel time to work
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Average
31.5 min
30.7 min
Other means
26.5 min
28.5 min
Public transportation
46 min
46.4 min
Private vehicle occupancy
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Average
1.2
1.1
Drove alone
86.8%
89.7%
In 2 person carpool
9%
8.5%
In 3 person carpool
2.6%
1.4%
In 4 person carpool
0.9%
0.3%
In 5-6 person carpool
0.5%
0%
In 7+ person carpool
0.2%
0%
How many people usually rode to work in the car, truck or van.
Real Estate
Real estate in Dallas tends to be more affordable, with a diverse range of properties available. In comparison, the property market in Long Beach is much pricier, reflective of California's high property values. Consequently, affordability may be a decisive factor for those considering relocation.
Neighborhoods
Dallas offers a mix of urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods, each with a distinctive character. Popular areas include Uptown, East Dallas, and the Bishop Arts District. Long Beach, renowned for its coastal charm, features diverse neighborhoods such as Belmont Shore, East Village, and Naples Island.
Houses and residents
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Houses
591,773
179,856
Average household size (people)
2.6
2.8
Median year apartment built
1987
1964
Median year house/condo built
1969
1954
Length of stay in the house since moving in
13.9 years
15.7 years
Houses occupied
536,008 (90.6%)
172,599 (96%)
Houses occupied by owners
229,518 (42.8%)
69,470 (40.2%)
Houses occupied by renters
306,490 (57.2%)
103,129 (59.8%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,403
$1,057
Median monthly housing costs
$1,225
$1,692
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$574,934
$520,992
Estimated median house or condo value
$267,600
$693,600
Median numbers of rooms
4.6
4.2
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.7
3.6
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6.1
5.5
Median house price - detached houses
$410,272
$900,658
Median house price - in 2-unit structures
$255,160
$823,515
Median house price - in 3-to-4-unit structures
$230,927
$495,928
Median house price - in 5 or more unit structures
$444,589
$488,399
Median house price - mobile homes
$91,039
$333,777
Median house price - Townhouses or other attached units
$350,045
$634,684
Median house price - All housing units
$402,215
$805,766
Median house age
40
62
Renting percentage
55.9%
58.4%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,727.6
3,565.7
House value disparities
41.3%
21.3%
Household income disparities
48.2%
44.7%
Median household income for houses/condes with a mortgage
$103,798
$116,421
Median household income for apartments without a mortgage
$61,909
$79,392
Housing units without a mortgage
1,309 (1%)
394 (0.8%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
3,320 (2.6%)
3,069 (6.2%)
Housing units with a mortgage
124,846 (99%)
49,321 (99.2%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
204 (0.2%)
48 (0.1%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
5,351 (4.2%)
3,709 (7.5%)
House/condo owner moved in on average (years ago)
12
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
0.9%
0.4%
Housing units in structures
Housing units in structures
Dallas
Long Beach
One, detached
41.8%
40.2%
One, attached
4.3%
4.9%
Two
1.5%
5.3%
3 or 4
4.9%
8.8%
5 to 9
7.9%
10.4%
10 to 19
12.1%
10.8%
20 to 49
8.1%
8.0%
50 or more
18.4%
10.6%
Mobile homes
1.0%
0.8%
Boats, RVs, vans, etc.
0.0%
0.2%
Median real estate property taxes paid for housing units
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
43,703
18,532
State government workers
17,325
6,550
Unpaid family workers
754
178
Industries and Occupations
Dallas, positioned within the "Silicon Prairie," caters to tech companies, also supporting robust finance, healthcare, and telecom sectors with a variety of career opportunities for professionals in these fields. Conversely, Long Beach has a strong presence in aerospace, trade, healthcare, manufacturing, and education, offering a wide job spectrum for prospective locals and immigrants.
Dallas houses several top-ranked hospitals, including UT Southwestern Medical Center and Baylor University Medical Center. Long Beach also boasts quality healthcare, with facilities like MemorialCare Long Beach Medical Center and St. Mary Medical Center serving the community effectively.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Both Dallas and Long Beach have strong infrastructures, though Dallas enjoys a more expansive freeway system, making car travel easier. Meanwhile, Long Beach boasts a robust public transit system with extensive bus routes and connections to both regional rail and ferry services.
Infrastructure
Type
Dallas
Long Beach
Hospitals
74
17
TV stations
25
5
Arenas or stadiums
2
2
Bank branches located here
394
67
Bank institutions located here
80
18
Main business address for public companies
122
11
Drinking water stations with no reported violations in the past
8
2
Drinking water stations with reported violations in the past
HMDA - Conventional home purchase loans - Applications denied
Year
Dallas
Long Beach
1999
5,030
1,159
2000
3,390
710
2001
2,626
677
2002
2,657
708
2003
3,617
1,861
2004
5,460
2,162
2005
7,445
3,065
2006
7,397
3,591
2007
5,056
2,287
2008
2,200
887
2009
1,121
475
Culture and Food
Dallas maintains a thriving arts and culture scene, boasting venues like the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, and hosting the State Fair of Texas. Food culture is also rich, rooted in Tex-Mex and barbeque. Long Beach offers a diverse range of cultural experiences, hosting music festivals and pride parades, and harboring a vibrant food scene, with a mix of traditional Californian and internationally inspired cuisine.
Sports Teams
Sports fans will find plenty to cheer for in both cities. Dallas is home to several major league sports teams, including the Dallas Cowboys (NFL), Dallas Mavericks (NBA), and the Texas Rangers (MLB). Meanwhile, Long Beach residents can easily access Los Angeles' sports scene, including teams like the LA Lakers (NBA), LA Dodgers (MLB), and the LA Kings (NHL).
Dallas, TX
Long Beach, CA
