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

Santa Rosa

California
172
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Santa Rosa is 72% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,084/mo ↑ 59%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 37%
$97,410/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 34%
$685,000 ↑ 96%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 49%
$2,130/mo ↑ 55%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 36%
177,216
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

25.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Santa Rosa, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 172 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $773/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $9,276/year.

Median household income is $33,510/year higher in Santa Rosa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Santa Rosa is $685,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Santa Rosa vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Santa Rosa or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Santa Rosa and Wilmington?
Median rent in Santa Rosa is $2,084/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $773/month.
Which city has higher income, Santa Rosa or Wilmington?
Median household income is $97,410 in Santa Rosa and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $33,510/year higher in Santa Rosa.
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 Rosa or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Santa Rosa has a cost index of 172 with median rent of $2,084/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 Rosa details → View Wilmington details →

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