same $100k income, fresh start from Santa Maria
changea dispatch from
wilmington
NC
34.23°N
77.95°W
Wilmington has been called 'Hollywood East' for the volume of film and TV produced here (Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, and dozens of features). The historic riverfront on the Cape Fear is genuinely charming, and Wrightsville Beach is 15 minutes away. The food scene punches above its weight, especially seafood. UNCW keeps it youthful. A coastal city with both beach and downtown charm.
in our guides
of 10
Sunniest affordable US cities
read the guideof 10
Affordable cities to escape the cold
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave Seattle for
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave Phoenix for
read the guideof 10
Best cities for snowbirds
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave Portland for
read the guideof 10
Best cities in the Carolinas
read the guideof 10
Affordable alternatives to Miami
read the guideof 10
Best warm affordable coastal cities
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave San Diego for
read the guidethe verdict
cheaper each month than Santa Maria
Wilmington is the kind of cheap that changes the math. Same salary, a different life on the other side.
a quick ledger.
$1,675/mo
50% cheaper than Santa Maria(vs $3,352/mo)
4.5%
$400/mo less in state tax than Santa Maria
vs 9.3% in Santa Maria
$6,283/mo
$2,077 more than Santa Maria
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$448k
58% cheaper than Santa Maria
vs $1059k in Santa Maria
467k
vs 441k in Santa Maria
field notes, weather & such.
235
pleasant days a year, in wilmington.
Santa Maria edges ahead with 337 pleasant days.
54/100
8% lower than Santa Maria
vs 59/100 in Santa Maria
Closest outdoor draw: Lake Waccamaw State Park, 32.5 mi.
67/100
23% lower than Santa Maria
vs 87/100 in Santa Maria
5
150% more than Santa Maria
vs 2 nonstops in Santa Maria
if wilmington appeals, also worth a look:
compare wilmington with:
