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

Santa Clarita

California
197
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Santa Clarita is 97% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,486/mo ↑ 90%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 47%
$119,926/yr ↑ 88%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 47%
$721,000 ↑ 106%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 51%
$2,649/mo ↑ 93%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 48%
229,021
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

24.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Clarita, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 197 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,175/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $14,100/year.

Median household income is $56,026/year higher in Santa Clarita. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Clarita is $721,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Clarita vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Santa Clarita 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 Santa Clarita and Wilmington?
Median rent in Santa Clarita is $2,486/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $1,175/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Clarita or Wilmington?
Median household income is $119,926 in Santa Clarita and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $56,026/year higher in Santa Clarita.
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 Clarita or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Clarita has a cost index of 197 with median rent of $2,486/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 Clarita details → View Wilmington details →

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