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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Ventura

California
183

Wilmington is 45% cheaper than Ventura.

$1,311/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$2,101/mo ↑ 60%
$63,900/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$100,407/yr ↑ 57%
$350,300 ↓ 55%
Home Value
$778,700 ↑ 122%
$1,371/mo ↓ 35%
Owner Costs
$2,118/mo ↑ 54%
118,578
Population
109,900

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 Ventura, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 183 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $790/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $9,480/year.

Median household income is $36,507/year higher in Ventura. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $778,700 in Ventura.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Ventura — common questions

Is Wilmington or Ventura cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 183 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Ventura?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Ventura it's $2,101/month — a difference of $790/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Ventura?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $100,407 in Ventura. Median household income is $36,507/year higher in Ventura.
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 Ventura?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Ventura has a cost index of 183 with rent of $2,101/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Ventura details →

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