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

Glendale

California
214
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Glendale is 114% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,095/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 37%
$84,262/yr ↑ 32%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 24%
$1,043,900 ↑ 198%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 66%
$2,212/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 38%
192,270
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

29.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 214 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $784/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $9,408/year.

Median household income is $20,362/year higher in Glendale. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $1,043,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Glendale or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 214 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Wilmington?
Median rent in Glendale is $2,095/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $784/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Wilmington?
Median household income is $84,262 in Glendale and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $20,362/year higher in Glendale.
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 Glendale or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 214 with median rent of $2,095/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 Glendale details → View Wilmington details →

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