Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Phoenix is 4% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $72,115 in Phoenix.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Phoenix has a housing index of 102 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Phoenix costs $350,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $115,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,400 in Phoenix versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Phoenix scores 99 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Phoenix (95) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Phoenix is $57,459 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Phoenix.
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