Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Wilmington is 10% more affordable than Ann Arbor. A $75,000 salary in Ann Arbor is equivalent to $67,763 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Ann Arbor has a housing index of 135 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Ann Arbor costs $400,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Ann Arbor versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Ann Arbor scores 101 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Ann Arbor (101) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Ann Arbor is $65,024 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
Amazon affiliate links