Abstract This paper proposes a new design for long-span cable-stayed bridge with a hybrid arrangement of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) cables. Based on the considerations of the mechanical properties and economic performance, the reasonable spans of various FRP cables are analyzed according to the key parametric studies by means of analytical solutions. Through applying different FRP cables at their reasonable spans, a new design for a cable-stayed bridge with a hybrid arrangement of FRP cables is proposed. The related mechanicals properties and economic performances are analyzed by a case study of a crossing sea bridge with a span of 2038 m. The analysis results indicate that the proposed bridge design of a hybrid arrangement of FRP cables can meet the static requirement of long-span cable-stayed bridges including the deflection limitation of the middle span. The seismic behavior and the wind resistance stability of the long-span cable-stayed bridge are improved by applying a cable system with a hybrid arrangement of FRP cables. In addition, according to the life cycle cost analysis, the economic performance of the cable system with a hybrid arrangement of FRP cables is better than that of the pure FRP and hybrid FRP cable systems. The cable system with a hybrid arrangement of FRP cables offers an optimum design for the long-span cable-stayed bridge with a main span of more than 2000 m.