Moving from Boulder to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). You'd pay about 30% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your Boulder lifestyle
Based on the 30% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Boulder | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $28,182 |
| $50K | $35,227 |
| $60K | $42,273 |
| $75K | $52,841 |
| $80K | $56,364 |
| $100K | $70,455 |
| $120K | $84,545 |
| $150K | $105,682 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Boulder vs Wilmington
| Expense | Boulder | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,466 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,300 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $414 | $372 |
| Transport | $80 | $45 |
| Utilities | $138 | $158 |
| Internet | $68 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $1,466 | $2,272 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than Boulder?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 132 for Boulder (100 = US average). That's about 30% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Boulder to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Boulder to Wilmington could save roughly $813/month on core expenses. That's ~$9,756/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Boulder lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Boulder, you'd need roughly $52,841/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