Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Greenville is 8% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $69,175 in Greenville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: South Carolina salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Greenville has a housing index of 85 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Greenville costs $250,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Greenville versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Greenville scores 98 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Greenville (103) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Greenville is $48,912 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Greenville.
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