![Wilmington, NC — Cost of Living, Housing & Relocation Guide [2026]](/images/cities/wilmington-nc.jpg)
Wilmington, NC
Port city with Riverwalk, film production, and coastal Carolina charm.
Below Average vs US avg (100)
Affordable
Household income
Job market health
Wilmington vs National Average
Taxes
- State Income: 4.75%
- Sales Tax: 7%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $52,000
- Unemployment: 3.2%
- Population: 115,451
Climate
- Sunny Days: 218/year
- Summer High: 89°F
- Winter Low: 36°F
Housing
- Median Home: $320,000
- 1BR Rent: $1350/mo
Overview
Wilmington is a city in NC with a population of 115,451. Port city with Riverwalk, film production, and coastal Carolina charm.
Cost of Living
Wilmington’s cost of living index is 98.5 (US average = 100).
| Category | Wilmington | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5% |
| Housing | 95.2 | 100 | -4.8% |
| Utilities | 98.5 | 100 | -1.5% |
| Groceries | 96.8 | 100 | -3.2% |
| Transportation | 104.2 | 100 | +4.2% |
| Healthcare | 100.5 | 100 | +0.5% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1,350/month |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,687/month |
| Price per Sq Ft | $213 |
| Year-over-Year Change | -0.2% |
Data source: Zillow Research, May 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Best Neighborhoods
Downtown Wilmington
The heart of the city with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Average rent: $1,620/month.
Wilmington Heights
Trendy area with local businesses and a mix of historic and modern housing. Average rent: $1,485/month.
East Wilmington
Up-and-coming neighborhood with new developments and young professionals. Average rent: $1,215/month.
West Wilmington
Family-friendly area with parks and good schools. Average rent: $1,282/month.
Remote Work Score
Wilmington scores 120/100 for remote work readiness:
- Internet Speed: Average 200 Mbps (Good)
- Coworking Spaces: 15+ locations (Good)
- Cost of Living: Moderate (Good)
- Climate: 218 sunny days/year (Good)
- Quality of Life: High (Good)
Climate
Wilmington has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 56°F | 36°F | 2.5" |
| April | 74°F | 51°F | 2.8" |
| July | 89°F | 64°F | 1.5" |
| October | 69°F | 54°F | 2.2" |
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.75%
- Sales Tax: 7.0%
- Property Tax: ~0.8% of assessed value
Economy
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 3.2%.
FAQ
Is wilmington-nc a good place to live?
wilmington-nc offers a strong combination of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life. Use our cost of living calculator and relocation guides to see if it fits your budget and lifestyle.
What is the cost of living in wilmington-nc?
The cost of living in wilmington-nc varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. Check our detailed cost breakdown above for specific numbers on housing, groceries, utilities, and transportation.
How much do I need to earn to live comfortably in wilmington-nc?
Use our Salary Equivalence Calculator to find out how much you need to earn in wilmington-nc to maintain your current standard of living.
Data Sources
- Cost of living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER)
- Housing data: Zillow Research
- Demographics: US Census Bureau
- Climate: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- Taxes: Tax Foundation
Last updated: June 29, 2026
Disclaimer: All data on this page is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. Cost of living indices, housing prices, tax rates, and other figures are estimates based on publicly available data and may not reflect current market conditions. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.