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

Stockton

California
115
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Stockton is 15% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,495/mo ↑ 14%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 12%
$76,851/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 17%
$412,900 ↑ 18%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 15%
$1,555/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 12%
320,470
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

23.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Stockton, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $184/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $2,208/year.

Median household income is $12,951/year higher in Stockton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Stockton is $412,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Stockton vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Stockton or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Stockton and Wilmington?
Median rent in Stockton is $1,495/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $184/month.
Which city has higher income, Stockton or Wilmington?
Median household income is $76,851 in Stockton and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,951/year higher in Stockton.
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 Stockton or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Stockton has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,495/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 Stockton details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Stockton and Wilmington

Stockton vs. Lexington Stockton vs. Corpus Christi Stockton vs. Henderson Stockton vs. Riverside Stockton vs. Anaheim Stockton vs. Orlando Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge