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

Fullerton

California
195
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Fullerton is 95% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,124/mo ↑ 62%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 38%
$104,219/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 39%
$859,600 ↑ 145%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 59%
$2,251/mo ↑ 64%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 39%
141,278
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

24.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fullerton, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $813/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $9,756/year.

Median household income is $40,319/year higher in Fullerton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fullerton is $859,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fullerton vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Fullerton or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fullerton and Wilmington?
Median rent in Fullerton is $2,124/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $813/month.
Which city has higher income, Fullerton or Wilmington?
Median household income is $104,219 in Fullerton and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $40,319/year higher in Fullerton.
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 Fullerton or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $2,124/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 Fullerton details → View Wilmington details →

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