Moving from Tampa to Wilmington (2026)
Wilmington has a COL index of 93 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). You'd pay about 11% less for the same lifestyle.
Save ~$514/mo
on core expenses · $75K salary baseline
Key differences
COL index
10493
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$2,000$1,550
per month
State tax
None4.5%
income tax
Take-home at $75K
$4,741$4,459
per month
Salary needed in Wilmington to match your Tampa lifestyle
Based on the 11% cost of living decrease between the two cities.
| Your salary in Tampa | Equivalent in Wilmington |
|---|---|
| $40K | $35,769 |
| $50K | $44,712 |
| $60K | $53,654 |
| $75K | $67,067 |
| $80K | $71,538 |
| $100K | $89,423 |
| $120K | $107,308 |
| $150K | $134,135 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Tampa vs Wilmington
| Expense | Tampa | Wilmington |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,741 | $4,459 |
| 1BR rent | $2,000 | $1,550 |
| Groceries | $376 | $372 |
| Transport | $65 | $45 |
| Utilities | $195 | $158 |
| Internet | $65 | $62 |
| Left after essentials | $2,040 | $2,272 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Wilmington cheaper than Tampa?
Yes. Wilmington has a cost of living index of 93 vs 104 for Tampa (100 = US average). That's about 11% cheaper.
How much will I save moving from Tampa to Wilmington?
On a $75K salary, moving from Tampa to Wilmington could save roughly $514/month on core expenses. That's ~$6,168/year.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Tampa lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Tampa, you'd need roughly $67,067/year in Wilmington. This is based on the overall COL index difference between the two cities.
Moving from Wilmington to TampaTampa vs Wilmington — full comparisonTampa cost of livingWilmington cost of living
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