on $100k a year, leaving Portland
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
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read the guidethe verdict
lighter monthly cost than Portland
Wilmington gives you room Portland doesn't. Same gross salary, lower monthly cost of living.
a quick ledger.
$1,675/mo
6% cheaper than Portland(vs $1,781/mo)
4.5%
$354/mo less in state tax than Portland
vs 8.75% in Portland
$6,283/mo
$460 more than Portland
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$448k
20% cheaper than Portland
vs $562k in Portland
467k
vs 2.5M in Portland
field notes, weather & such.
235
pleasant days a year, in wilmington.
Portland keeps to 178 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Portland stays 6.2× busier.
54/100
38% lower than Portland
vs 87/100 in Portland
Closest outdoor draw: Lake Waccamaw State Park, 32.5 mi.
67/100
33% lower than Portland
vs 100/100 in Portland
5
91% fewer than Portland
vs 57 nonstops in Portland
neighbors of wilmington on the map of tradeoffs:
compare wilmington with:
