Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
15% cheaper
Wilmington is 15% more affordable than Scottsdale. A $75,000 salary in Scottsdale is equivalent to $63,415 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Scottsdale has a housing index of 162 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Scottsdale costs $580,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $345,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,000 in Scottsdale versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Scottsdale scores 103 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Scottsdale (95) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Scottsdale is $92,298 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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