Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Wilmington is 12% more affordable than Tacoma. A $75,000 salary in Tacoma is equivalent to $66,026 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Washington salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tacoma has a housing index of 140 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Tacoma costs $400,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $80,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,600 in Tacoma versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Tacoma scores 105 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tacoma (106) match Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Tacoma is $58,974 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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