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

Santa Ana

California
163
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Santa Ana is 63% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,975/mo ↑ 51%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 34%
$88,354/yr ↑ 38%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 28%
$657,800 ↑ 88%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 47%
$1,965/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
311,639
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Ana, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 163 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $664/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,968/year.

Median household income is $24,454/year higher in Santa Ana. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Ana is $657,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Ana vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Santa Ana or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 163 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Ana and Wilmington?
Median rent in Santa Ana is $1,975/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $664/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Ana or Wilmington?
Median household income is $88,354 in Santa Ana and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $24,454/year higher in Santa Ana.
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 Santa Ana or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Ana has a cost index of 163 with median rent of $1,975/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 Santa Ana details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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