Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
46% cheaper
Wilmington is 46% more affordable than Santa Barbara. A $75,000 salary in Santa Barbara is equivalent to $40,658 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. Santa Barbara has a housing index of 340 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Santa Barbara costs $1,200,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $880,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $3,000 in Santa Barbara versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Santa Barbara scores 112 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Santa Barbara (110) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Santa Barbara is $70,819 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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