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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Downey

California
169

Wilmington is 41% cheaper than Downey.

$1,311/mo ↓ 31%
Median Rent
$1,892/mo ↑ 44%
$63,900/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$87,400/yr ↑ 37%
$350,300 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$728,500 ↑ 108%
$1,371/mo ↓ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,997/mo ↑ 46%
118,578
Population
111,793

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
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Downey, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 169 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $581/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $6,972/year.

Median household income is $23,500/year higher in Downey. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $728,500 in Downey.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Downey — common questions

Is Wilmington or Downey cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 169 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Downey?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Downey it's $1,892/month — a difference of $581/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Downey?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $87,400 in Downey. Median household income is $23,500/year higher in Downey.
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 Downey?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Downey has a cost index of 169 with rent of $1,892/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Downey details →

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