Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
17% cheaper
El Paso is 17% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $61,893 in El Paso.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. El Paso has a housing index of 69 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in El Paso costs $185,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $135,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in El Paso versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: El Paso scores 95 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in El Paso (89) are lower than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in El Paso is $47,568 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in El Paso.
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