Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
21% cheaper
Wilmington is 21% more affordable than Portland. A $75,000 salary in Portland is equivalent to $59,423 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Oregon salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Portland has a housing index of 168 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Portland costs $480,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $160,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Portland versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Portland scores 105 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Portland (108) are higher than Wilmington (106).
Median household income in Portland is $71,005 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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