Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Huntsville is 12% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $66,262 in Huntsville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Alabama salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Huntsville has a housing index of 79 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Huntsville costs $260,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Huntsville versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Huntsville scores 96 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Huntsville (93) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Huntsville is $56,098 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Huntsville.
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