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

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Long Beach

California
169

Raleigh is 59% cheaper than Long Beach.

$1,468/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,803/mo ↑ 23%
$82,424/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$83,969/yr ↑ 2%
$377,800 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$762,200 ↑ 102%
$1,487/mo ↓ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,890/mo ↑ 27%
470,763
Population
458,491

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Long Beach, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $1,545/year higher in Long Beach. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $762,200 in Long Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Long Beach — common questions

Is Raleigh or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Long Beach?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Long Beach it's $1,803/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Long Beach?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $83,969 in Long Beach. Median household income is $1,545/year higher in Long Beach.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Long Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/mo, while Long Beach has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,803/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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