Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
16% cheaper
Cleveland is 16% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $63,350 in Cleveland.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Ohio salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Cleveland has a housing index of 59 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Cleveland costs $100,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $900 in Cleveland versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Cleveland scores 99 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Cleveland (96) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Cleveland is $32,053 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Cleveland.
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