Moving from Santa Rosa to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 140 for Santa Rosa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 34% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your Santa Rosa lifestyle
Based on the 34% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Santa Rosa | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $26,571 |
| $50K | $33,214 |
| $60K | $39,857 |
| $75K | $49,821 |
| $80K | $53,143 |
| $100K | $66,429 |
| $120K | $79,714 |
| $150K | $99,643 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Santa Rosa vs Wilmington
| Expense | Santa Rosa | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,200 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $410 | $372 |
| Transport | $72 | $45 |
| Utilities | $148 | $158 |
| Internet | $68 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,261 | $2,272 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than Santa Rosa?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 140 for Santa Rosa (100 = US average). That's about 34% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Santa Rosa to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Santa Rosa to Wilmington could save roughly $711/month on core expenses. That's ~$8,532/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Santa Rosa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Santa Rosa, you'd need roughly $49,821/year in Wilmington. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only