Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
14% cheaper
Detroit is 14% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $64,806 in Detroit.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Michigan salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Detroit has a housing index of 60 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Detroit costs $65,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $255,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Detroit versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Detroit scores 98 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Detroit (99) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Detroit is $34,762 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Detroit.
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