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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Temecula

California
179

Wilmington is 44% cheaper than Temecula.

$1,311/mo ↓ 43%
Median Rent
$2,297/mo ↑ 75%
$63,900/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$117,840/yr ↑ 84%
$350,300 ↓ 45%
Home Value
$640,400 ↑ 83%
$1,371/mo ↓ 44%
Owner Costs
$2,435/mo ↑ 78%
118,578
Population
110,404

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
23.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Temecula, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 179 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $986/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $11,832/year.

Median household income is $53,940/year higher in Temecula. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $640,400 in Temecula.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Temecula — common questions

Is Wilmington or Temecula cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 179 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Temecula?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Temecula it's $2,297/month — a difference of $986/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Temecula?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $117,840 in Temecula. Median household income is $53,940/year higher in Temecula.
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 Temecula?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Temecula has a cost index of 179 with rent of $2,297/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Temecula details →

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