Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Milwaukee is 11% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $66,990 in Milwaukee.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Wisconsin salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Milwaukee has a housing index of 80 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Milwaukee costs $175,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $145,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Milwaukee versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Milwaukee scores 100 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Milwaukee (102) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Milwaukee is $44,044 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Milwaukee.
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