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

Lancaster

California
124
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Lancaster is 24% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,696/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 23%
$76,083/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 16%
$409,100 ↑ 17%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 14%
$1,746/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 21%
170,013
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

26.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lancaster, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 124 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $385/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,620/year.

Median household income is $12,183/year higher in Lancaster. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lancaster is $409,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Lancaster vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Lancaster or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 124 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lancaster and Wilmington?
Median rent in Lancaster is $1,696/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $385/month.
Which city has higher income, Lancaster or Wilmington?
Median household income is $76,083 in Lancaster and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,183/year higher in Lancaster.
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 Lancaster or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Lancaster has a cost index of 124 with median rent of $1,696/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 Lancaster details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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Lancaster vs. Pembroke Pines Lancaster vs. Fort Collins Lancaster vs. Garden Grove Lancaster vs. Springfield Lancaster vs. Clarksville Lancaster vs. Palmdale Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge