Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
35% cheaper
Charlotte is 35% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $48,387 in Charlotte.
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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Long Beach sits at 236 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $700,000 in Long Beach, a difference of $370,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $2,200 in Long Beach.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Charlotte scores 101 while Long Beach scores 106.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are higher than Long Beach (103). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $60,567 in Long Beach. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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