with $100k coming in, swapping out of Chicago
changea dispatch from
wilmington
NC
34.23°N
77.95°W
Wilmington has been called 'Hollywood East' for the volume of film and TV produced here (Dawson's Creek, One Tree Hill, and dozens of features). The historic riverfront on the Cape Fear is genuinely charming, and Wrightsville Beach is 15 minutes away. The food scene punches above its weight, especially seafood. UNCW keeps it youthful. A coastal city with both beach and downtown charm.
in our guides
of 10
Sunniest affordable US cities
read the guideof 10
Affordable cities to escape the cold
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave Seattle for
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave Phoenix for
read the guideof 10
Best cities for snowbirds
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave Portland for
read the guideof 10
Best cities in the Carolinas
read the guideof 10
Affordable alternatives to Miami
read the guideof 10
Best warm affordable coastal cities
read the guideof 10
Best cities to leave San Diego for
read the guidethe verdict
below Chicago's monthly cost
You'd feel the difference in Wilmington. Not life-changing money, but real breathing room next to Chicago.
a quick ledger.
$1,675/mo
23% cheaper than Chicago(vs $2,170/mo)
4.5%
$38/mo less in state tax than Chicago
vs 4.95% in Chicago
$6,283/mo
$532 more than Chicago
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$448k
23% more expensive than Chicago
vs $365k in Chicago
467k
vs 9.3M in Chicago
field notes, weather & such.
235
pleasant days a year, in wilmington.
Chicago keeps to 153 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Chicago stays 64.8× busier.
54/100
23% lower than Chicago
vs 70/100 in Chicago
Closest outdoor draw: Lake Waccamaw State Park, 32.5 mi.
67/100
33% lower than Chicago
vs 100/100 in Chicago
5
98% fewer than Chicago
vs 217 nonstops in Chicago
same energy as wilmington, different zip code:
compare wilmington with:
