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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Murrieta

California
175

Wilmington is 43% cheaper than Murrieta.

$1,311/mo ↓ 44%
Median Rent
$2,330/mo ↑ 78%
$63,900/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$109,780/yr ↑ 72%
$350,300 ↓ 42%
Home Value
$606,900 ↑ 73%
$1,371/mo ↓ 42%
Owner Costs
$2,380/mo ↑ 74%
118,578
Population
111,621

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
25.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Murrieta, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 175 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,019/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $12,228/year.

Median household income is $45,880/year higher in Murrieta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $606,900 in Murrieta.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Murrieta — common questions

Is Wilmington or Murrieta cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 175 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Murrieta?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Murrieta it's $2,330/month — a difference of $1,019/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Murrieta?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $109,780 in Murrieta. Median household income is $45,880/year higher in Murrieta.
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 Murrieta?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Murrieta has a cost index of 175 with rent of $2,330/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Murrieta details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wilmington and Murrieta

Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge Murrieta vs. Downey Murrieta vs. Pueblo Murrieta vs. Peoria Murrieta vs. Miami Gardens Murrieta vs. Pompano Beach Murrieta vs. Everett