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

Oceanside

California
179
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Oceanside is 79% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,207/mo ↑ 68%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 41%
$93,724/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 32%
$702,000 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 50%
$2,232/mo ↑ 63%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 39%
172,542
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

28.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oceanside, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 179 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $896/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $10,752/year.

Median household income is $29,824/year higher in Oceanside. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oceanside is $702,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oceanside vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Oceanside or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oceanside and Wilmington?
Median rent in Oceanside is $2,207/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $896/month.
Which city has higher income, Oceanside or Wilmington?
Median household income is $93,724 in Oceanside and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $29,824/year higher in Oceanside.
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 Oceanside or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Oceanside has a cost index of 179 with median rent of $2,207/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 Oceanside details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Oceanside and Wilmington

Oceanside vs. Rancho Cucamonga Oceanside vs. Clarksville Oceanside vs. Salem Oceanside vs. Garden Grove Oceanside vs. Cary Oceanside vs. Pembroke Pines Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge