Side-by-side cost of living comparison for 2026
37% cheaper
Wilmington is 37% more affordable than Los Angeles. A $75,000 salary in Los Angeles is equivalent to $46,988 in Wilmington.
Index values shown. National average = 100. Lower is cheaper.
To maintain the same standard of living:
See exact take-home pay: California salaries · Delaware salaries
Housing is typically the biggest factor in any cost-of-living comparison. Los Angeles has a housing index of 262 while Wilmington sits at 104 (national average = 100). The median home in Los Angeles costs $850,000 compared to $235,000 in Wilmington, a difference of $615,000. Monthly rent follows a similar pattern: $2,700 in Los Angeles versus $1,200 in Wilmington.
Groceries and everyday expenses show a narrower gap: Los Angeles scores 107 while Wilmington scores 103.
Healthcare costs in Los Angeles (103) are lower than Wilmington (106). Both are close to the national average.
Median household income in Los Angeles is $65,290 compared to $46,520 in Wilmington. When adjusted for cost of living, income goes further in Wilmington.
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