01 · the cities
New York
New York is the city that refuses to take a nap. Five boroughs of bodegas, bagels, late-night dollar slices, and entire neighborhoods that switch languages every six blocks. The subway is a 472-station miracle that runs all night, and Central Park is the green lung that keeps Manhattan sane. You will spend more than you planned and love every minute of it.
full dispatch→Wilmington
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.
full dispatch→02 · the money
Median rent
Median rent
$3,329/mo
$1,675/mo
$1,654/mo less than New York (99%)
Median home price
Median home price
$739k
$448k
$291k less than New York
State income tax
State income tax
10.7%
4.5%
Gross left after rent
Gross left after rent
$4,110/mo
$6,283/mo
Wilmington has $2,173/mo more gross after rent at $100k
Gross left after rent reflects state income tax but not federal, based on $100k salary. Enter your salary to find your ideal city.
03 · the weather
Pleasant days/yr
Pleasant days/yr
171 days
235 days
64 more than New York
Extreme heat days
Extreme heat days
1 days
1 days
days above 95°F per year
Extreme cold days
Extreme cold days
19 days
1 days
days below 20°F per year
New York drops below 20°F on 18 more days per year than Wilmington.
04 · the life
OutdoorScore
OutdoorScore
78 / 100
54 / 100
24.0 pts behind New York
Nonstop flights
Nonstop flights
215 routes
5 routes
210 fewer direct routes than New York
Metro size
Metro size
19.5M metro
467k metro
New York has 195.3x more events per month than Wilmington.
the verdict
2
New York
categories won
6
Wilmington
categories won
Wilmington wins on money and weather. New York has the edge on lifestyle.
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