Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Wilmington is 4% more affordable than Fresno. A $75,000 salary in Fresno is equivalent to $72,196 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Fresno has a housing index of 111 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Fresno costs $330,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $10,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,300 in Fresno versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Fresno scores 101 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Fresno (100) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Fresno is $53,838 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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