Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Wilmington is 4% more affordable than Asheville. A $75,000 salary in Asheville is equivalent to $72,222 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: North Carolina salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Asheville has a housing index of 120 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Asheville costs $360,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $125,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Asheville versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Asheville scores 103 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Asheville (106) match Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Asheville is $48,534 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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