same $100k income, fresh start from Melbourne

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Wilmington, NC cityscape

from melbourne

Wilmington

nc · metro 467k

a 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.

metro467k

01 · the verdict

the verdict

$155

more expensive each month than Melbourne

Wilmington edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
landable, recorded on the wilmington entry

02 · the money

a quick ledger.

01rent

$1,675/mo

12% cheaper than Melbourne(vs $1,895/mo)

02state income tax

4.5%

$375/mo more in state tax than Melbourne

vs 0% in Melbourne

03after rent

$6,283/mo

$155 less than Melbourne

gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.

04a house here

$448k

28% more expensive than Melbourne

vs $351k in Melbourne

05metro size

467k

vs 644k in Melbourne

03 · the life

field notes, weather & such.

235

pleasant days a year, in wilmington.

Melbourne actually gets more: 254 pleasant days a year.

·outdoorscore

54/100

2% lower than Melbourne

vs 55/100 in Melbourne

Closest outdoor draw: Lake Waccamaw State Park, 32.5 mi.

·walk score®

67/100

20% lower than Melbourne

vs 84/100 in Melbourne

Walk Score® methodology

·nonstops

5

150% more than Melbourne

vs 2 nonstops in Melbourne

04 · see also

in the same ballpark as wilmington:

compare wilmington with: