Moving from Long Beach to Durham (2026)
Durham has a COL index of 102 vs 148 for Long Beach (100 = US average). You'd pay about 31% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Durham to match your Long Beach lifestyle
Based on the 31% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Long Beach | Equivalent in Durham |
|---|---|
| $40K | $27,568 |
| $50K | $34,459 |
| $60K | $41,351 |
| $75K | $51,689 |
| $80K | $55,135 |
| $100K | $68,919 |
| $120K | $82,703 |
| $150K | $103,378 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Long Beach vs Durham
| Expense | Long Beach | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,400 | $1,750 |
| Groceries | $410 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $82 |
| Utilities | $148 | $155 |
| Internet | $68 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,033 | $2,038 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Durham cheaper than Long Beach?
Yes. Durham has a cost of living index of 102 vs 148 for Long Beach (100 = US average). That's about 31% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Long Beach to Durham?
On a $75K salary, moving from Long Beach to Durham could save roughly $705/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,460/year.
What salary do I need in Durham to match my Long Beach lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Long Beach, you'd need roughly $51,689/year in Durham. 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