Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Wilmington is 37% more affordable than Oakland. A $75,000 salary in Oakland is equivalent to $47,273 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Oakland has a housing index of 264 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Oakland costs $780,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $545,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Oakland versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Oakland scores 109 while Wilmington scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Oakland (113) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Oakland is $73,692 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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