Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
11% cheaper
Wilmington is 11% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $66,667 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Maine salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 107 while Wilmington scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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