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

Vallejo

California
155
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Vallejo is 55% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,013/mo ↑ 54%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 35%
$89,496/yr ↑ 40%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 29%
$557,500 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 37%
$2,058/mo ↑ 50%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 33%
124,637
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

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vallejo, CA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 155 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $702/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $8,424/year.

Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Vallejo. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vallejo is $557,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vallejo vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Vallejo or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 155 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vallejo and Wilmington?
Median rent in Vallejo is $2,013/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $702/month.
Which city has higher income, Vallejo or Wilmington?
Median household income is $89,496 in Vallejo and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $25,596/year higher in Vallejo.
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 Vallejo or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Vallejo has a cost index of 155 with median rent of $2,013/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 Vallejo details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Vallejo and Wilmington

Vallejo vs. Meridian Vallejo vs. Round Rock Vallejo vs. Palm Bay Vallejo vs. Concord Vallejo vs. Allentown Vallejo vs. Arvada Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge