Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
10% cheaper
Tucson is 10% more affordable than Wilmington. A $75,000 salary in Wilmington is equivalent to $67,718 in Tucson.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Arizona salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Tucson has a housing index of 83 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Tucson costs $265,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $55,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,100 in Tucson versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Tucson scores 98 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Tucson (93) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Tucson is $43,425 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Tucson.
Amazon affiliate links