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

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Long Beach is 69% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,803/mo ↑ 38%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 27%
$83,969/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 24%
$762,200 ↑ 118%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 54%
$1,890/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 27%
458,491
Population
118,578

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
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $492/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,904/year.

Median household income is $20,069/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Long Beach or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Wilmington?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $492/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Wilmington?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $20,069/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 Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Wilmington details →

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