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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Santa Maria

California
137

Wilmington is 27% cheaper than Santa Maria.

$1,311/mo ↓ 29%
Median Rent
$1,842/mo ↑ 41%
$63,900/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$84,617/yr ↑ 32%
$350,300 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$478,200 ↑ 37%
$1,371/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$1,789/mo ↑ 30%
118,578
Population
109,880

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 Santa Maria, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $531/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $6,372/year.

Median household income is $20,717/year higher in Santa Maria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $478,200 in Santa Maria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Santa Maria — common questions

Is Wilmington or Santa Maria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Santa Maria?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Santa Maria it's $1,842/month — a difference of $531/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Santa Maria?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $84,617 in Santa Maria. Median household income is $20,717/year higher in Santa Maria.
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 Santa Maria?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Santa Maria has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,842/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Santa Maria details →

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