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

Elk Grove

California
168
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Elk Grove is 68% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,180/mo ↑ 66%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 40%
$122,229/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 48%
$603,400 ↑ 72%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 42%
$2,227/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 38%
177,221
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

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elk Grove, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 168 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $869/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $10,428/year.

Median household income is $58,329/year higher in Elk Grove. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elk Grove is $603,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elk Grove vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Elk Grove or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elk Grove and Wilmington?
Median rent in Elk Grove is $2,180/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $869/month.
Which city has higher income, Elk Grove or Wilmington?
Median household income is $122,229 in Elk Grove and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $58,329/year higher in Elk Grove.
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 Elk Grove or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Elk Grove has a cost index of 168 with median rent of $2,180/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 Elk Grove details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elk Grove and Wilmington

Elk Grove vs. Eugene Elk Grove vs. Santa Rosa Elk Grove vs. Ontario Elk Grove vs. Cary Elk Grove vs. Aurora Elk Grove vs. Salem Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge