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

San Bernardino

California
109
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

San Bernardino is 9% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,433/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 9%
$63,988/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,900/yr ≈ Same
$384,900 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 9%
$1,478/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
221,774
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

26.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Bernardino, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $122/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,464/year.

Median household income is $88/year higher in San Bernardino. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Bernardino is $384,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Bernardino vs Wilmington — common questions

Is San Bernardino or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Bernardino and Wilmington?
Median rent in San Bernardino is $1,433/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $122/month.
Which city has higher income, San Bernardino or Wilmington?
Median household income is $63,988 in San Bernardino and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $88/year higher in San Bernardino.
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 San Bernardino or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. San Bernardino has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,433/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 San Bernardino details → View Wilmington details →

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