Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
18% cheaper
Memphis is 18% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $61,165 in Memphis.
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. Memphis has a housing index of 63 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Memphis costs $155,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $165,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,000 in Memphis versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Memphis scores 93 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Memphis (92) are lower than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Memphis is $41,228 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Memphis.
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