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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Ontario is 52% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,916/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 32%
$82,806/yr ↑ 30%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 23%
$568,000 ↑ 62%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 38%
$1,967/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
178,347
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

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $605/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,260/year.

Median household income is $18,906/year higher in Ontario. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Ontario or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Wilmington?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $605/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Wilmington?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $18,906/year higher in Ontario.
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 Ontario or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Ontario and Wilmington

Ontario vs. Aurora Ontario vs. Eugene Ontario vs. Chattanooga Ontario vs. Elk Grove Ontario vs. Fort Lauderdale Ontario vs. Santa Rosa Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge