Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Wilmington is 19% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $60,938 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 · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $215,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sacramento scores 104 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sacramento (106) match Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sacramento is $64,660 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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