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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Los Angeles is 87% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,879/mo ↑ 43%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 30%
$80,366/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 20%
$879,500 ↑ 151%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 60%
$2,055/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 33%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $568/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $6,816/year.

Median household income is $16,466/year higher in Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Wilmington?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $568/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Wilmington?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $16,466/year higher in Los Angeles.
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 Los Angeles or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Wilmington details →

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