2025 Compare Cities Overview:
Santa Maria, CA vs Wilmington, NC

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Highlights
Are people in Wilmington older or younger than people in Santa Maria?
- The Median Age in Wilmington is 8.2 years older than in Santa Maria.

Are housing costs cheaper in Wilmington or Santa Maria?
- Wilmington housing costs are 34.1% less expensive than Santa Maria housing costs.

Which city has a longer commute, Wilmington or Santa Maria?
- The average commute for residents of Wilmington is 2.0 minutes shorter than it is for residents of Santa Maria.

Things to do in Santa Maria?
Santa Maria, California is a vibrant city located in Santa Barbara County. From its stunning coastal landscape to its various cultural attractions, there's something for everyone in Santa Maria! Visitors can explore outdoor activities like Pismo Beach or takein some culture at places like the Allan Hancock College Museum of Natural History. Plus, those looking for an educational experience can browse sites like the Fremont Theater or the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area. And when they've had their fill of activities, visitors can enjoy a delicious meal from restaurants like Taqueria Don Beto or Mingos Mexican Restaurant. With so much to offer, Santa Maria makes for an unforgettable experience!

Things to do in Wilmington?
Wilmington, North Carolina is a coastal city located just off the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its historic downtown and award-winning beachfront, Wilmington is an ideal destination for both tourists and locals alike. Boasting plenty of cultural activities such as the Cameron Art Museum and Thalian Hall Center for the Performing Arts, it's easy to find entertainment in this vibrant city. With a variety of restaurants, boutiques and galleries, there's no shortage of things to do in Wilmington. With gorgeous beaches and beautiful scenery surrounding the city, you can easily see why visitors love spending time in Wilmington!

 Santa Maria, CAWilmington, NCUnited States
 Population  Unlock115,976329,725,481
 Median Income$73,300  Unlock$69,021
 Median Age  Unlock37.438.4
 Avg. Home Price$565,100  Unlock$338,100
 Unemployment Rate  Unlock4.3%6.0%
 Avg. Commute Time20.79  Unlock26.38
Reviews for Santa Maria    12 Reviews

Over 6 years ago

I live in Orcutt which is a town of around 35,000 on the south side of Santa Maria. Santa Maria has, as everyone has noted, the best climate in the world. It never  More

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I have lived in Santa Maria / Orcutt for several years, but it is time to leave. I have no issues with the weather. Our climate is mild and comfortable with no extremes.  More

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The weather is very mild without a huge temperature change with the seasons. The winters are chilly but not cold and the summers are warm but not hot. Of course there  More

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Reviews for Wilmington    71 Reviews

I was born here and I will update more at a later time. First and most important, teh average cost of a 1br apt in Wilmington is approximately $1,800. Rentals have  More

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I think that a lot has changed since covid for this city and will continue to keep changing with our insane economy. But I was born and raised in Wilmington and have  More

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Scotty · 

Wilmington NC was once a wonderful city filled with Southern charm, history, safety and natural beauty. Recently that has been replaced by erasing everything Southern or  More

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