Moving from Wilmington to Salem (2026)
Salem has a COL index of 97 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). Expect to pay about 4% more for the same lifestyle.
Key differences
Salary needed in Salem to match your Wilmington lifestyle
Based on the 4% cost of living increase between the two cities.
| Your salary in Wilmington | Equivalent in Salem |
|---|---|
| $40K | $41,720 |
| $50K | $52,151 |
| $60K | $62,581 |
| $75K | $78,226 |
| $80K | $83,441 |
| $100K | $104,301 |
| $120K | $125,161 |
| $150K | $156,452 |
Monthly budget at $75K — Wilmington vs Salem
| Expense | Wilmington | Salem |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly take-home | $4,459 | $4,122 |
| 1BR rent | $1,550 | $1,450 |
| Groceries | $372 | $380 |
| Transport | $45 | $72 |
| Utilities | $158 | $125 |
| Internet | $62 | $63 |
| Left after essentials | $2,272 | $2,032 |
Frequently asked questions
Is Salem cheaper than Wilmington?
No. Salem has a cost of living index of 97 vs 93 for Wilmington (100 = US average). That's about 4% more expensive.
How much will I save moving from Wilmington to Salem?
On a $75K salary, moving from Wilmington to Salem could save roughly $97/month on core expenses. That's ~$1,164/year.
What salary do I need in Salem to match my Wilmington lifestyle?
To maintain the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Wilmington, you'd need roughly $78,226/year in Salem. 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