Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Wilmington is 36% more affordable than San Diego. A $75,000 salary in San Diego is equivalent to $48,281 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. San Diego has a housing index of 248 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in San Diego costs $800,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $480,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,500 in San Diego versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Diego scores 107 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in San Diego (107) are higher than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Diego is $79,646 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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