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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Fayetteville

North Carolina
73

Long Beach is 132% more expensive than Fayetteville.

$1,803/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,179/mo ↓ 35%
$83,969/yr ↑ 49%
Median Income
$56,395/yr ↓ 33%
$762,200 ↑ 343%
Home Value
$171,900 ↓ 77%
$1,890/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,156/mo ↓ 39%
458,491
Population
209,692

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Fayetteville, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $624/month cheaper in Fayetteville, saving renters about $7,488/year.

Median household income is $27,574/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $171,900 in Fayetteville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Fayetteville — common questions

Is Long Beach or Fayetteville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Fayetteville is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Fayetteville?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Fayetteville it's $1,179/month — a difference of $624/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Fayetteville?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $56,395 in Fayetteville. Median household income is $27,574/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 Fayetteville?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Fayetteville has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,179/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Fayetteville details →

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