Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
4% cheaper
Wilmington is 4% more affordable than Salt Lake City. A $75,000 salary in Salt Lake City is equivalent to $72,196 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Utah salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Salt Lake City has a housing index of 120 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Salt Lake City costs $440,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $120,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,500 in Salt Lake City versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Salt Lake City scores 99 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Salt Lake City (97) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Salt Lake City is $60,590 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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