Can I Afford to Live in Midland vs Wilmington on $100K?

Here's how a $100K/year salary plays out in both cities after taxes, rent, and core living expenses — based on Q1 2026 data.

Midland, TX
$6,321/mo take-home
Rent: $1,200/mo (19% of take-home)
Very comfortable
Wilmington, NC
$5,946/mo take-home
Rent: $1,550/mo (26% of take-home)
Comfortable
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Monthly budget breakdown

Midland
TX
Wilmington
NC
Monthly take-home (est.)
$6,321Best ✓
$5,946
1BR rent
$1,200Best ✓
$1,550
Groceries (est.)
$365Best ✓
$372
Transport (est.)
$35Best ✓
$45
Utilities
$178
$158Best ✓
Internet
$65
$62Best ✓
Left after essentials
$4,478/month
$3,759/month
Midland (Texas) has no state income tax, boosting take-home vs Wilmington (NC rate: 4.5%).

Frequently asked questions

Is $100K a good salary in Midland?

At $100K/year in Midland, your estimated monthly take-home is $6,321. With 1BR rent around $1,200/month, rent takes up 19% of your take-home. That's considered very comfortable.

Is $100K a good salary in Wilmington?

At $100K/year in Wilmington, your estimated monthly take-home is $5,946. With 1BR rent around $1,550/month, rent takes up 26% of your take-home. That's considered comfortable.

Which city is more affordable on a $100K salary?

Midland leaves you with more money after core expenses — $4,478/month vs $3,759/month in Wilmington.

Can I afford to live alone in Midland on $100K?

Yes. At $100K in Midland, rent takes 19% of your take-home, leaving $4,478/month after essentials. Most financial planners recommend keeping rent below 30%.

Compare other salary bands — Midland vs Wilmington

$40K$50K$60K$75K$80K$120K$150K

See the full cost-of-living comparison

Rent, groceries, taxes, transportation, and more — side by side.

Full comparison

Take-home estimates use simplified federal/state brackets and do not account for pre-tax deductions, 401(k), or local taxes. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only