Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
34% cheaper
Wilmington is 34% more affordable than Long Beach. A $75,000 salary in Long Beach is equivalent to $49,839 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Long Beach has a housing index of 236 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Long Beach costs $700,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $380,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,200 in Long Beach versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Long Beach scores 106 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Long Beach (103) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Long Beach is $60,567 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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