Cost of Living: Anaheim, CA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Anaheim

California
182
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Anaheim is 82% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,082/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 37%
$90,583/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 29%
$771,700 ↑ 120%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 55%
$2,165/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 37%
344,553
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Anaheim, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 182 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $771/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $9,252/year.

Median household income is $26,683/year higher in Anaheim. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Anaheim is $771,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Anaheim vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Anaheim or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 182 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Anaheim and Wilmington?
Median rent in Anaheim is $2,082/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $771/month.
Which city has higher income, Anaheim or Wilmington?
Median household income is $90,583 in Anaheim and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $26,683/year higher in Anaheim.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Anaheim or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Anaheim has a cost index of 182 with median rent of $2,082/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Anaheim details → View Wilmington details →

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