Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Lexington is 10% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $67,718 in Lexington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Kentucky salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Lexington has a housing index of 82 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Lexington costs $245,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in Lexington versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Lexington scores 96 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Lexington (94) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Lexington is $55,648 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Lexington.
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