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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Modesto is 20% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,609/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 19%
$77,899/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 18%
$415,600 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 16%
$1,613/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 15%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $298/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,576/year.

Median household income is $13,999/year higher in Modesto. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Modesto or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Wilmington?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $298/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Wilmington?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $13,999/year higher in Modesto.
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 Modesto or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Wilmington details →

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