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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Oakland is 95% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,917/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 32%
$97,369/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 34%
$924,700 ↑ 164%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 62%
$2,164/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 37%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $33,469/year higher in Oakland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Oakland 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 Oakland and Wilmington?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Wilmington?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $33,469/year higher in Oakland.
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 Oakland or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Wilmington details →

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