Long Beach, CA vs Cary, NC: 169 vs 135

$1,803/mo ↑ 11%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↓ 10%

$83,969/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 54%

$762,200 ↑ 45%

Home Value

$525,200 ↓ 31%

$1,890/mo ↑ 8%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↓ 8%

458,491

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $182/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,184/year.

Median household income is $45,430/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Cary — common questions

Is Long Beach or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 169 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Cary?

Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $182/month.

Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Cary?

Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $45,430/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Long Beach or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Long Beach

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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