Moving from Raleigh to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). You'd pay about 8% less for the same lifestyle.
Change cities
Key differences
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your Raleigh lifestyle
Based on the 8% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Raleigh | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $36,832 |
| $50K | $46,040 |
| $60K | $55,248 |
| $75K | $69,059 |
| $80K | $73,663 |
| $100K | $92,079 |
| $120K | $110,495 |
| $150K | $138,119 |
💵 Household income (before tax)
Monthly budget at $75K — Raleigh vs Wilmington
| Expense | Raleigh | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $1,700 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $365 | $372 |
| Transport | $70 | $45 |
| Utilities | $150 | $158 |
| Internet | $60 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,114 | $2,272 |
30-Year Wealth Builder
If you invest your monthly savings of $158 in a low-cost index fund (7% avg return), you'd accumulate an extra:
over 30 years compared to staying in Raleigh — that's the real price of a city.
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than Raleigh?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 101 for Raleigh (100 = US average). That's about 8% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Raleigh to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Raleigh to Wilmington saves roughly $150/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,800/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Raleigh lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh, you'd need roughly $69,059/year in Wilmington. This is based on the overall COL index difference.
Estimates based on Q1 2026 COL index and market data. Budget uses simplified federal/state tax rates. Zillow · BLS · Numbeo · For general guidance only