same $100k income, fresh start from Tampa
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.
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read the guidethe verdict
pricier each month than Tampa
Wilmington edges out a little pricier. Close enough that the decision rides on the days, not the dollars.
a quick ledger.
$1,675/mo
16% cheaper than Tampa(vs $1,996/mo)
4.5%
$375/mo more in state tax than Tampa
vs 0% in Tampa
$6,283/mo
$54 less than Tampa
gross of federal tax. a comparison, not a paycheck.
$448k
20% more expensive than Tampa
vs $374k in Tampa
467k
vs 3.3M in Tampa
field notes, weather & such.
235
pleasant days a year, in wilmington.
Tampa has the edge here, logging 243 pleasant days a year.
But the calendar thins out: Tampa stays 2.4× busier.
54/100
13% lower than Tampa
vs 62/100 in Tampa
Closest outdoor draw: Lake Waccamaw State Park, 32.5 mi.
67/100
27% lower than Tampa
vs 92/100 in Tampa
5
93% fewer than Tampa
vs 68 nonstops in Tampa
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