Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
36% cheaper
Wilmington is 36% more affordable than Jersey City. A $75,000 salary in Jersey City is equivalent to $47,685 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: New Jersey salaries · North Carolina salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Jersey City has a housing index of 249 while Wilmington sits at 108 (national average = 100). The median home in Jersey City costs $540,000 compared to $320,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $220,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,600 in Jersey City versus $1,400 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Jersey City scores 105 while Wilmington scores 101. Both cities are close to the national average for grocery costs.
Healthcare costs in Jersey City (106) match Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Jersey City is $80,820 compared to $48,432 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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