Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
42% cheaper
Wilmington is 42% more affordable than Irvine. A $75,000 salary in Irvine is equivalent to $43,399 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. Irvine has a housing index of 294 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Irvine costs $1,050,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $730,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Irvine versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Irvine scores 108 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Irvine (109) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Irvine is $108,038 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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