Cost of Living: Long Beach, CA vs Winston-Salem, NC (2026)

Long Beach

California
169
VS

Winston-Salem

North Carolina
71

Long Beach is 138% more expensive than Winston-Salem.

$1,803/mo ↑ 75%
Median Rent
$1,033/mo ↓ 43%
$83,969/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$57,673/yr ↓ 31%
$762,200 ↑ 266%
Home Value
$208,200 ↓ 73%
$1,890/mo ↑ 82%
Owner Costs
$1,040/mo ↓ 45%
458,491
Population
250,887

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Long Beach, CA and Winston-Salem, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 169 and 71 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $770/month cheaper in Winston-Salem, saving renters about $9,240/year.

Median household income is $26,296/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Long Beach is $762,200 compared to $208,200 in Winston-Salem.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Long Beach vs Winston-Salem — common questions

Is Long Beach or Winston-Salem cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Winston-Salem is cheaper to live in with an index of 71 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Long Beach and Winston-Salem?
Median rent in Long Beach is $1,803/month and in Winston-Salem it's $1,033/month — a difference of $770/month.
Which city has higher income, Long Beach or Winston-Salem?
Median household income is $83,969 in Long Beach and $57,673 in Winston-Salem. Median household income is $26,296/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 Winston-Salem?
It depends on your priorities. Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with median rent of $1,803/mo, while Winston-Salem has a cost index of 71 with rent of $1,033/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Long Beach details → View Winston-Salem details →

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