Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Knoxville is 15% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $64,078 in Knoxville.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Tennessee salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Knoxville has a housing index of 73 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Knoxville costs $240,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Knoxville versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Knoxville scores 94 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Knoxville (93) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Knoxville is $42,898 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Knoxville.
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