Quick answer
Durham costs $810/month less overall ($1,805 vs $2,615/mo). Durham also has lower state income tax (4.75% vs 9.3%), widening the advantage for higher earners.
City Comparison · 2026
Durham vs Long Beach
Side-by-side on rent, home prices, taxes, walkability, jobs, and climate — with a straight verdict for each type of mover.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Durham vs Long Beach at a Glance
| Metric | Durham | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| 1BR Monthly Rent | $1,350 ✓ | $2,650 |
| 2BR Monthly Rent | $1,650 ✓ | $2,650 |
| Median Home Price | $425K ✓ | $825K |
| Avg Utilities/mo | $135 ✓ | $165 |
| Avg Groceries/mo | $320 ✓ | $400 |
| Monthly Cost (1BR) | $1,805 ✓ | $2,615 |
| Walk Score | 64/100 | 76/100 ✓ |
| Transit Score | 38/100 | 72/100 ✓ |
| State Income Tax | 4.75% ✓ | 9.3% |
Monthly cost = 1BR rent + utilities + groceries for one person. ✓ marks the lower/better value.
Cost of Living: What the Numbers Actually Mean
Rent gap: Durham's 1BR averages $1,350/month vs $2,050 in Long Beach — a $700/month difference, or $8,400/year. That's a meaningful gap worth factoring into your decision.
State tax: Durham charges 4.75% state income tax vs 9.3% in Long Beach. On an $80K salary that's a $3,640/year difference. On $120K, the gap grows to $11,160 vs $5,700 — important context if you're choosing between tech job offers.
Home buying: Median homes in Durham are $425K vs $825K in Long Beach. At a 20% down payment, that's a $80,000 difference in upfront cash — significant at early-career savings rates.
Utilities: Long Beach utilities run $30 more per month than Durham.
Walkability, Transit & Daily Life
Durham, NC
Durham's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Long Beach, CA
Long Beach's walkability means you can genuinely live without a car in the right neighborhoods.
TOP NEIGHBORHOODS
Climate
Durham
Humid subtropical with hot, humid summers (85-90°F) and mild winters (45-55°F). Approximately 100 humid days annually; moderate precipitation year-round.
Long Beach
Year-round mild: 60-70°F average. Rarely freezes; minimal rain (12 inches/year). Marine layer mornings (May-August) bring overcast, cool conditions until afternoon clearing.
Job Market
Durham top industries
Long Beach top industries
Who Should Pick Which City
Move to Durham if…
- →You're a Biotech & pharma professionals
- →You're a Life sciences researchers
- →You're a Academics
- →You're a Young professionals seeking affordable big-city vibe
- →You're buying a home and want more for your money
Move to Long Beach if…
- →You're a Port/logistics workers
- →You're a People who want beach access without LA's sprawl
- →You're a Artists and creative types seeking community and affordability
- →You're a Anyone wanting California weather without SF or San Diego prices
- →You want to live without a car
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Durham or Long Beach cheaper to live in?
Durham is cheaper overall. Monthly costs (1BR rent + utilities + groceries) run $1,805 in Durham vs $2,615 in Long Beach — a $810/month difference.
Which city is more walkable — Durham or Long Beach?
Long Beach is more walkable with a Walk Score of 76/100 vs 64/100. Durham is more car-dependent.
Durham vs Long Beach: which has lower state income tax?
Durham has lower state income tax (4.75%). On an $80K salary, that saves $3,640/year vs Long Beach (9.3%).
Is Durham or Long Beach better for buying a home?
Durham has lower median home prices at $425K vs $825K in Long Beach — a $400,000 difference on the median home.