Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
43% cheaper
Wilmington is 43% more affordable than San Jose. A $75,000 salary in San Jose is equivalent to $42,445 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 Jose has a housing index of 308 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in San Jose costs $1,300,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $980,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,100 in San Jose versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Jose scores 110 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in San Jose (112) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in San Jose is $117,324 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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