Is Charlotte, NC cheaper than Long Beach, CA?

Based on cost of living data, Charlotte, NC is 44.0% cheaper than Long Beach, CA. This translates to saving $3302 per month.

What salary do I need in Charlotte, NC to live like I do in Long Beach, CA?

If you earn $150,000 in Long Beach, CA, you'd need approximately $110,375.072 in Charlotte, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Long Beach, CA and Charlotte, NC?

Housing in Charlotte, NC is 68.1% cheaper than in Long Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,870/month in Charlotte, NC compared to $2,895/month in Long Beach, CA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Long Beach, CA to Charlotte, NC?

Moving from Long Beach, CA to Charlotte, NC could save you approximately $3302 per month, or $39625 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Long Beach, CA vs Charlotte, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Current salary in Long Beach, CA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $3.3K/month moving to Charlotte, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.4K in Charlotte, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area

Overall Cost

↓ 44.0%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$3,302

Savings

Annual Impact

$39.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Long Beach, CA

Population:467K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$976K

Charlotte, NC

Population:875K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$399K

Long Beach, CA

The Golden State

467K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in California, this city has a population of 467K residents.

Charlotte, NC

The Tar Heel State

875K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major banking center
•NASCAR headquarters
•Queen City

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyEnergyMotorsports

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Long Beach, CA vs Charlotte, NC

Category	Long Beach, CA	Charlotte, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,281less	68.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,202/mo	↓ $956less	44.3%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$638/mo	↑ $84.26more	15.2%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$989/mo	↓ $50.96less	4.9%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$519/mo	↓ $38.25less	6.9%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $23.44less	1.4%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.1%

Long Beach, CA

$7,749

Charlotte, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,281

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 44.3%

Long Beach, CA

$2,158

Charlotte, NC

$1,202

Difference

$956

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 15.2%

Long Beach, CA

$554

Charlotte, NC

$638

Difference

$84.26

🛒Groceries

↓ 4.9%

Long Beach, CA

$1,040

Charlotte, NC

$989

Difference

$50.96

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 6.9%

Long Beach, CA

$557

Charlotte, NC

$519

Difference

$38.25

less

📦Other

↓ 1.4%

Long Beach, CA

$1,731

Charlotte, NC

$1,707

Difference

$23.44

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,070

To$1,630

↓ $440

1 Bed

From$2,320

To$1,710

↓ $610

2 Bed

From$2,895

To$1,870

↓ $1,025

3 Bed

From$3,670

To$2,300

↓ $1,370

Long Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$2,720/mo

Charlotte, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,340–$2,310/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$13,790

Monthly in Long Beach, CA

$7,525

Monthly in Charlotte, NC

$6,265

Difference

Home Values

Long Beach

Charlotte

$976K

Median Value

$399K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -1.1%

↑ +26.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +40.8%

$491K - $1.29M

Price Range

$293K - $1.57M

Homes in Charlotte are 59% less expensive than Long Beach

Calculate payment - Long Beach Calculate payment - Charlotte

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $3.5K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$292

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

2.3%

Rate difference

Long Beach, CA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

California State Tax

Effective: 7.1%

$10.6K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 31.8%

$47.6K

Take-Home Pay

$8,530/month

$102.4K

Charlotte, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Long Beach, CA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:10.5%

Property Tax:0.8%

Charlotte, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.