Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Des Moines is 14% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $64,806 in Des Moines.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Iowa salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Des Moines has a housing index of 74 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Des Moines costs $210,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Des Moines versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Des Moines scores 96 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Des Moines (97) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Des Moines is $55,958 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Des Moines.
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