Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
32% cheaper
Wilmington is 32% more affordable than Washington. A $75,000 salary in Washington is equivalent to $50,822 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: District of Columbia salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Washington has a housing index of 226 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Washington costs $580,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $260,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,300 in Washington versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a notable difference: Washington scores 108 while Wilmington scores 101.
Healthcare costs in Washington (105) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Washington is $90,842 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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