Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
12% cheaper
Wilmington is 12% more affordable than Denver. A $75,000 salary in Denver is equivalent to $66,102 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: Colorado salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Denver has a housing index of 152 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Denver costs $520,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $285,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $1,900 in Denver versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Denver scores 102 while Wilmington scores 103. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Denver (104) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Denver is $72,661 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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