Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
19% cheaper
Wilmington is 19% more affordable than Anchorage. A $75,000 salary in Anchorage is equivalent to $60,827 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alaska salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Anchorage has a housing index of 142 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Anchorage costs $340,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $20,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Anchorage versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Anchorage scores 120 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Anchorage (128) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Anchorage is $72,515 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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