Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Charlotte is 4% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $72,115 in Charlotte.
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. Charlotte has a housing index of 99 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Charlotte costs $330,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $95,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Charlotte versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Charlotte scores 101 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Charlotte (105) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Charlotte is $62,308 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Charlotte.
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