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

Fresno

California
101
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fresno and Wilmington have a similar cost of living.

$1,324/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ≈ Same
$66,804/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 4%
$348,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$350,300 ≈ Same
$1,391/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 1%
543,615
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

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fresno, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 101 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,904/year higher in Fresno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fresno is $348,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fresno vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fresno or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 101 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fresno and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fresno is $1,324/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $13/month.
Which city has higher income, Fresno or Wilmington?
Median household income is $66,804 in Fresno and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $2,904/year higher in Fresno.
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 Fresno or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fresno has a cost index of 101 with median rent of $1,324/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 Fresno details → View Wilmington details →

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