Moving from Boston to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). You'd pay about 43% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your Boston lifestyle
Based on the 43% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boston | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $22,963 |
| $50K | $28,704 |
| $60K | $34,444 |
| $75K | $43,056 |
| $80K | $45,926 |
| $100K | $57,407 |
| $120K | $68,889 |
| $150K | $86,111 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boston vs Wilmington
| Expense | Boston | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,428 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $3,000 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $418 | $372 |
| Transport | $90 | $45 |
| Utilities | $185 | $158 |
| Internet | $70 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $665 | $2,272 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than Boston?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 162 for Boston (100 = US average). That's about 43% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boston to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boston to Wilmington could save roughly $1,576/month on core expenses. That's ~$18,912/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Boston lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boston, you'd need roughly $43,056/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