Median rent is 19% lower in Durham ($1,508/mo vs $1,871/mo). Buying is cheaper in Durham, where the median home runs $392,800 versus $806,600. Households earn more in Long Beach ($87,430 vs $81,619 a year). Taken together, Durham is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 91.9 against 114.7 — about 20% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Durham, NC.
Cost of living verdict
Durham is 20% cheaper overall
Cost of Living Index: 91.9 in Durham vs 114.7 in Long Beach (US national average = 100)
City A
Durham, NC
City B
Long Beach, CA
How much would you need to earn in Long Beach, CA to maintain your standard of living from Durham, NC?
Equivalent salary in Long Beach, CA
$93,619
You'd need $18,619 more (25% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each metro area. This estimates overall purchasing power; it does not account for taxes or take-home pay differences.
Metric
Durham
North Carolina
Long Beach
California
Population
Median Household Income
Annual
Median Gross Rent
Per month
Median Home Value
Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: Census ACS, BEA, HUD Fair Market Rents, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Durham at $1,508/mo compared to $1,871/mo in Long Beach (19% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Long Beach: the median home is $806,600 versus $392,800 in Durham — 51% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
State tax data is not yet available for these cities.
Durham
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Long Beach
Income tax: N/A
Sales tax: N/A
Durham has cleaner air on average: 33.0 AQI (Good) compared to 65.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Durham if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 91.9 vs 114.7).
Pick Long Beach if you prioritize higher median household income ($87,430/yr).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,508/mo median).
Pick Durham if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 33.0).
Is Durham cheaper than Long Beach?
Durham is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 91.9 versus 114.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 20% lower in Durham.
How much is rent in Durham vs Long Beach?
Median rent is $1,508/mo in Durham, NC and $1,871/mo in Long Beach, CA. Durham, NC has the lower rent by about 19%.
Which has higher salaries — Durham or Long Beach?
Median household income is $81,619 in Durham, NC and $87,430 in Long Beach, CA. Long Beach, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Durham, NC has better air quality on average: 33.0 AQI versus 65.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Durham or Long Beach?
State tax data is not yet available for one or both cities.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Durham income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Durham, NC is equivalent to roughly $124,825 in Long Beach, CA (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology
