Moving from Austin to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). You'd pay about 24% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your Austin lifestyle
Based on the 24% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Austin | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $30,492 |
| $50K | $38,115 |
| $60K | $45,738 |
| $75K | $57,172 |
| $80K | $60,984 |
| $100K | $76,230 |
| $120K | $91,475 |
| $150K | $114,344 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Austin vs Wilmington
| Expense | Austin | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,800 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $372 | $372 |
| Transport | $50 | $45 |
| Utilities | $170 | $158 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,284 | $2,272 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than Austin?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 122 for Austin (100 = US average). That's about 24% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Austin to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Austin to Wilmington could save roughly $270/month on core expenses. That's ~$3,240/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Austin lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Austin, you'd need roughly $57,172/year in Wilmington. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates at $75K. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only