Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs East Los Angeles, CA (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

East Los Angeles

California
134

Wilmington is 25% cheaper than East Los Angeles.

$1,311/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,431/mo ↑ 9%
$63,900/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$68,378/yr ↑ 7%
$350,300 ↓ 43%
Home Value
$613,600 ↑ 75%
$1,371/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,458/mo ↑ 6%
118,578
Population
114,617

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
25.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and East Los Angeles, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 134 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $120/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,440/year.

Median household income is $4,478/year higher in East Los Angeles. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $613,600 in East Los Angeles.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs East Los Angeles — common questions

Is Wilmington or East Los Angeles cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 134 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and East Los Angeles?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in East Los Angeles it's $1,431/month — a difference of $120/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or East Los Angeles?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $68,378 in East Los Angeles. Median household income is $4,478/year higher in East Los Angeles.
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 East Los Angeles?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while East Los Angeles has a cost index of 134 with rent of $1,431/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View East Los Angeles details →

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