Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Jacksonville is 8% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $69,175 in Jacksonville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jacksonville has a housing index of 89 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Jacksonville costs $280,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $40,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Jacksonville versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jacksonville scores 101 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jacksonville (95) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jacksonville is $53,025 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Jacksonville.
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