Median rent is 37% lower in Wilmington ($1,187/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wilmington, where the median home runs $224,500 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Los Angeles ($80,366 vs $55,269 a year). Taken together, Wilmington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 113.3 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Los Angeles, CA.
Quick verdict
Wilmington is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Wilmington vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Los Angeles, CA
City B
Wilmington, DE
How much would you need to earn in Wilmington, DE to maintain your standard of living from Los Angeles, CA?
Equivalent salary in Wilmington, DE
$66,681
You could earn $8,319 less (11% lower) and break even.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Los Angeles
California
Wilmington
Delaware
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Wilmington — median rent of $1,187/mo versus $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, a 37% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $224,500 in Wilmington — 74% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 6.60% in Delaware, so Wilmington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 0.00% in Delaware; Wilmington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Wilmington
Income tax: 6.60%
Sales tax: None
Air quality data is available for Los Angeles (avg AQI 77.0) but not yet for Wilmington.
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 113.3).
Pick Los Angeles if you prioritize higher median household income ($80,366/yr).
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,187/mo median).
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower state income tax (6.60%).
Is Los Angeles cheaper than Wilmington?
Wilmington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Wilmington.
How much is rent in Los Angeles vs Wilmington?
Median rent is $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA and $1,187/mo in Wilmington, DE. Wilmington, DE has the lower rent by about 37%.
Which has higher salaries — Los Angeles or Wilmington?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA and $55,269 in Wilmington, DE. Los Angeles, CA has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Los Angeles or Wilmington?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and Delaware's is 6.60%. Wilmington, DE has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Los Angeles income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Los Angeles, CA is equivalent to roughly $88,908 in Wilmington, DE (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology