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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Wilmington is 56% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,311/mo ↓ 45%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 83%
$63,900/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↑ 72%
$350,300 ↓ 67%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 201%
$1,371/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 80%
118,578
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,084/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $13,008/year.

Median household income is $46,173/year higher in Costa Mesa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Wilmington or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $1,084/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $46,173/year higher in Costa Mesa.
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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Costa Mesa details →

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