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

Orange

California
206
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Orange is 106% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,252/mo ↑ 72%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 42%
$116,945/yr ↑ 83%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 45%
$900,700 ↑ 157%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 61%
$2,394/mo ↑ 75%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 43%
138,723
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

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $941/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $11,292/year.

Median household income is $53,045/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Orange or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Wilmington?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $941/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Wilmington?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $53,045/year higher in Orange.
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 Orange or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/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 Orange details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Wilmington

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge