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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Carlsbad

California
253

Wilmington is 60% cheaper than Carlsbad.

$1,311/mo ↓ 51%
Median Rent
$2,678/mo ↑ 104%
$63,900/yr ↓ 54%
Median Income
$139,326/yr ↑ 118%
$350,300 ↓ 70%
Home Value
$1,156,900 ↑ 230%
$1,371/mo ↓ 51%
Owner Costs
$2,801/mo ↑ 104%
118,578
Population
114,500

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Carlsbad, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 253 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,367/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $16,404/year.

Median household income is $75,426/year higher in Carlsbad. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $1,156,900 in Carlsbad.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Carlsbad — common questions

Is Wilmington or Carlsbad cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 253 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Carlsbad?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Carlsbad it's $2,678/month — a difference of $1,367/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Carlsbad?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $139,326 in Carlsbad. Median household income is $75,426/year higher in Carlsbad.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Carlsbad?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Carlsbad has a cost index of 253 with rent of $2,678/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Carlsbad details →

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