Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
20% cheaper
Wilmington is 20% more affordable than Sacramento. A $75,000 salary in Sacramento is equivalent to $60,352 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. Sacramento has a housing index of 163 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Sacramento costs $450,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $130,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Sacramento versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sacramento scores 104 while Wilmington scores 101. 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 $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
Amazon affiliate links