Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Birmingham is 16% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $63,350 in Birmingham.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Birmingham has a housing index of 67 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Birmingham costs $165,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $155,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Birmingham versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Birmingham scores 96 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Birmingham (91) are lower than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Birmingham is $38,178 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Birmingham.
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