Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
38% cheaper
Wilmington is 38% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $46,536 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. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $530,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Los Angeles scores 107 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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