Moving from Charleston to Long Beach (2026)
Long Beach has a COL index of 148 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 53% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Long Beach to match your Charleston lifestyle
Based on the 53% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Charleston | Equivalent in Long Beach |
|---|---|
| $40K | $61,031 |
| $50K | $76,289 |
| $60K | $91,546 |
| $75K | $114,433 |
| $80K | $122,062 |
| $100K | $152,577 |
| $120K | $183,093 |
| $150K | $228,866 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Charleston vs Long Beach
| Expense | Charleston | Long Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,353 | $4,159 |
| 1BR rent | $1,900 | $2,400 |
| Groceries | $376 | $410 |
| Transport | $55 | $100 |
| Utilities | $162 | $148 |
| Internet | $63 | $68 |
| Left after essentials | $1,797 | $1,033 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Long Beach cheaper than Charleston?
No. Long Beach has a cost of living index of 148 vs 97 for Charleston (100 = US average). That's about 53% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Charleston to Long Beach?
On a $75K salary, core expenses in Long Beach run about $570/month more than Charleston. Factor this into your salary negotiation when relocating.
What salary do I need in Long Beach to match my Charleston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Charleston, you'd need roughly $114,433/year in Long Beach. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only