Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Wilmington is 12% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $66,026 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 · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 137 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $395,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $75,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,700 in Portland versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Portland scores 107 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Portland (110) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Portland is $56,895 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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