Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
13% cheaper
San Antonio is 13% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $65,534 in San Antonio.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Texas salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. San Antonio has a housing index of 78 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in San Antonio costs $250,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $70,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,200 in San Antonio versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: San Antonio scores 93 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in San Antonio (95) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in San Antonio is $53,420 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in San Antonio.
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