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

San Diego

California
197
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

San Diego is 97% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,223/mo ↑ 70%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 41%
$104,321/yr ↑ 63%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 39%
$848,500 ↑ 142%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 59%
$2,308/mo ↑ 68%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 41%
1,385,061
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

25.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Diego, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $912/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $10,944/year.

Median household income is $40,421/year higher in San Diego. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Diego is $848,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Diego vs Wilmington — common questions

Is San Diego or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 197 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Diego and Wilmington?
Median rent in San Diego is $2,223/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $912/month.
Which city has higher income, San Diego or Wilmington?
Median household income is $104,321 in San Diego and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $40,421/year higher in San Diego.
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 Diego or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. San Diego has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,223/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 Diego details → View Wilmington details →

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