Moving from San Diego to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). You'd pay about 37% less for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your San Diego lifestyle
Based on the 37% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in San Diego | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $25,135 |
| $50K | $31,419 |
| $60K | $37,703 |
| $75K | $47,128 |
| $80K | $50,270 |
| $100K | $62,838 |
| $120K | $75,405 |
| $150K | $94,257 |
Monthly budget at $75K — San Diego vs Wilmington
| Expense | San Diego | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,159 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,600 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $414 | $372 |
| Transport | $100 | $45 |
| Utilities | $130 | $158 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $850 | $2,272 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than San Diego?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 148 for San Diego (100 = US average). That's about 37% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from San Diego to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from San Diego to Wilmington could save roughly $1,122/month on core expenses. That's ~$13,464/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my San Diego lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in San Diego, you'd need roughly $47,128/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