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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Durham

North Carolina
105

Long Beach is 61% more expensive than Durham.

$1,803/mo ↑ 28%
Median Rent
$1,412/mo ↓ 22%
$83,969/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$79,234/yr ↓ 6%
$762,200 ↑ 115%
Home Value
$355,300 ↓ 53%
$1,890/mo ↑ 32%
Owner Costs
$1,434/mo ↓ 24%
458,491
Population
288,465

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Durham, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $391/month cheaper in Durham, saving renters about $4,692/year.

Median household income is $4,735/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $355,300 in Durham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Durham — common questions

Is Long Beach or Durham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Durham is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Durham?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Durham it's $1,412/month — a difference of $391/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Durham?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $79,234 in Durham. Median household income is $4,735/year higher in Long Beach.
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 Durham?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Durham has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,412/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Durham details →

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