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

Sacramento

California
132
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Sacramento is 32% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,694/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 23%
$83,753/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 24%
$484,600 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 28%
$1,752/mo ↑ 28%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 22%
524,802
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $383/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,596/year.

Median household income is $19,853/year higher in Sacramento. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Sacramento or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 132 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Wilmington?
Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $383/month.
Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Wilmington?
Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $19,853/year higher in Sacramento.
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 Sacramento or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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 Sacramento details → View Wilmington details →

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