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

Santa Clara

California
307
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Santa Clara is 207% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,985/mo ↑ 128%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 56%
$173,670/yr ↑ 172%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 63%
$1,527,900 ↑ 336%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 77%
$3,051/mo ↑ 123%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 55%
129,239
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

20.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clara, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 307 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,674/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $20,088/year.

Median household income is $109,770/year higher in Santa Clara. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clara is $1,527,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clara vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Santa Clara or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 307 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Clara and Wilmington?
Median rent in Santa Clara is $2,985/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $1,674/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clara or Wilmington?
Median household income is $173,670 in Santa Clara and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $109,770/year higher in Santa Clara.
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 Clara or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clara has a cost index of 307 with median rent of $2,985/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 Clara details → View Wilmington details →

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