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

Fairfield

California
167
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fairfield is 67% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,191/mo ↑ 67%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 40%
$102,321/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 38%
$592,500 ↑ 69%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 41%
$2,226/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 38%
119,985
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fairfield, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 167 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $880/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $10,560/year.

Median household income is $38,421/year higher in Fairfield. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fairfield is $592,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fairfield vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fairfield or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 167 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fairfield and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fairfield is $2,191/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $880/month.
Which city has higher income, Fairfield or Wilmington?
Median household income is $102,321 in Fairfield and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $38,421/year higher in Fairfield.
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 Fairfield or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fairfield has a cost index of 167 with median rent of $2,191/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.
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