Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
30% cheaper
Asheville is 30% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $52,258 in Asheville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · California salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $340,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) are higher than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Asheville.
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