Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Louisville is 12% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $66,262 in Louisville.
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. Louisville has a housing index of 77 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Louisville costs $210,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $110,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Louisville versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Louisville scores 96 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Louisville (93) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Louisville is $52,238 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Louisville.
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