Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Long Beach, CA?

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

What salary do I need in Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

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

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 68.1% cheaper than in Long Beach, CA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $2,895/month in Long Beach, CA.

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

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

Long Beach, CA vs Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $110.4K in Raleigh, 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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:56

Median Home:$512K

Long Beach, CA

The Golden State

467K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Long Beach, CA vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Long Beach, CA	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$7,749/mo	$2,469/mo	↓ $5,281less	68.1%
🚗Transportation	$2,158/mo	$1,284/mo	↓ $874less	40.5%
🛒Groceries	$1,040/mo	$959/mo	↓ $80.94less	7.8%
🏥Healthcare	$554/mo	$601/mo	↑ $47.09more	8.5%
📦Other	$1,731/mo	$1,707/mo	↓ $23.44less	1.4%
⚡All Utilities	$557/mo	$546/mo	↓ $10.93less	2.0%

🏠Housing

↓ 68.1%

Long Beach, CA

$7,749

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$5,281

less

🚗Transportation

↓ 40.5%

Long Beach, CA

$2,158

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$874

less

🛒Groceries

↓ 7.8%

Long Beach, CA

$1,040

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$80.94

less

🏥Healthcare

↑ 8.5%

Long Beach, CA

$554

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$47.09

📦Other

↓ 1.4%

Long Beach, CA

$1,731

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$23.44

less

⚡All Utilities

↓ 2.0%

Long Beach, CA

$557

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$10.93

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$2,070

To$1,570

↓ $500

1 Bed

From$2,320

To$1,640

↓ $680

2 Bed

From$2,895

To$1,800

↓ $1,095

3 Bed

From$3,670

To$2,255

↓ $1,415

Long Beach, CAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,800–$2,720/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$6,223

Difference

Home Values

Long Beach

Raleigh

$976K

Median Value

$512K

↑ +0.5%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +26.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$491K - $1.29M

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 48% less expensive than Long Beach

Calculate payment - Long Beach Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Raleigh, 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%

Raleigh, 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.