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

Fremont

California
278
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fremont is 178% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,905/mo ↑ 122%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 55%
$176,350/yr ↑ 176%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 64%
$1,289,400 ↑ 268%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 73%
$3,000/mo ↑ 119%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 54%
228,518
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

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,594/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $19,128/year.

Median household income is $112,450/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fremont or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $1,594/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Wilmington?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $112,450/year higher in Fremont.
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 Fremont or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Wilmington details →

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