Is Wilmington expensive to live in?

Wilmington is considered moderately expensive, with a cost index of 105 compared to the US average of 100. Living here costs about 5% more than the national average. The median monthly rent is $1,670, and the median household income is $63,900.

What salary do you need to live comfortably in Wilmington?

Using the standard 30% rent-to-income rule, you need at least $66,800/year to afford median rent in Wilmington. The median household income is $63,900, giving a rent-to-income ratio of 31%. Financial experts recommend keeping rent below 30% of gross income.

What is the average rent in Wilmington?

The median rent in Wilmington is $1,670 per month. Housing costs score 114 against the national average of 100, meaning housing is 14% more expensive than the US average.

How does Wilmington compare to the national average cost of living?

Wilmington's overall cost index is 105 vs the national average of 100. Breaking it down: housing (114), food & groceries (103), transportation (100), utilities (97), and healthcare (109). Wilmington is above average in most categories.

Is Wilmington, North Carolina a good place to live?

Wilmington has a population of 122,698 and a median household income of $63,900. With a cost index of 105, it offers a higher-cost lifestyle. The rent-to-income ratio is 31%, which is above the recommended 30% threshold.

What are the cheapest cities near Wilmington?

To find the most affordable cities near Wilmington in North Carolina, use the Livably city comparison tool or browse the North Carolina state page. You can compare rent, cost index, income, and affordability side by side across all tracked cities.

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Wilmington

Monthly city intelligence across housing costs, tax load, and affordability signals to help you plan your next move with clearer numbers.

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Cost index: 105

Median rent: $1,670

Median income: $63,900

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About Wilmington

Living in Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington, North Carolina is a growing city with a population of approximately 122,698. The overall cost of living index sits at 105, which is near the national average of 100. This means everyday expenses — housing, groceries, transportation, and healthcare — are roughly 5% more expensive compared to the typical U.S. city.

Housing is the largest cost driver in Wilmington. Median rent is $1,670 per month, while the median home price is $408,845. At a median household income of $63,900, rent consumes roughly 31% of gross income, which represents a moderate housing cost burden. The housing sub-index of 114 sits close to the national norm.

Beyond housing, healthcare is the most elevated non-shelter expense in Wilmington with a sub-index of 109, while utilities is comparatively more affordable at 97. State-level taxes also shape the true cost of living: North Carolina applies a 4.50% income tax rate, and property tax averages 0.70% of assessed home value. The combined sales tax rate is 6.98%. Local income tax may apply in some municipalities.

Over the past twelve months, the cost of living in Wilmington has trended upward. Among the 9 tracked cities in North Carolina, Wilmington ranks #8 from most to least affordable. Whether you're evaluating a job offer, planning a relocation, or comparing salary purchasing power, these numbers give a grounded, data-backed view of what life in Wilmington actually costs.

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