Moving from Wilmington to Phoenix (2026)

Phoenix has a COL index of 100 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 8% more for the same lifestyle.

Pay ~$175 more/mo
on rent + taxes ยท $75K salary baseline

Change cities

Key differences

COL index
93 โ†’ 100
100 = US avg
1BR rent
$1,550 โ†’ $1,500
per month
State tax
4.5% โ†’ 2.5%
income tax
COL difference
93 โ†’ 100
8% more expensive

Salary needed in Phoenix to match your Wilmington lifestyle

Based on the 8% cost of living increase between the two cities.

Your salary in WilmingtonEquivalent in Phoenix
$40K$43,011
$50K$53,763
$60K$64,516
$75K$80,645
$80K$86,022
$100K$107,527
$120K$129,032
$150K$161,290

๐Ÿ’ต Household income (before tax)

$75K
$
$30K$300K
Pay ~$16/mo moreon core expenses at $75K

Monthly budget at $75K โ€” Wilmington vs Phoenix

ExpenseWilmingtonPhoenix
Monthly take-home$4,459$4,584
1BR rent$1,550$1,500
Groceries$372$369
Transport$45$64
Utilities$158$210
Internet$62$60
Left after essentials$2,272$2,381

Frequently asked questions

Is Phoenix cheaper than Wilmington?

No. Phoenix has a cost of living index of 100 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 8% more expensive.

How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Phoenix?

On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Phoenix saves roughly $175/month on core expenses. That's ~$2,100/year.

What salary do I need in Phoenix to match my Wilmington lifestyle?

To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $80,645/year in Phoenix. 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 ยท BLS ยท Numbeo ยท For general guidance only