Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
8% cheaper
Wilmington is 8% more affordable than Sarasota. A $75,000 salary in Sarasota is equivalent to $68,973 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Florida salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Sarasota has a housing index of 132 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Sarasota costs $380,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $60,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,800 in Sarasota versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Sarasota scores 104 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Sarasota (97) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Sarasota is $52,147 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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