Cartagena vs Wilmington for Families (2026)
Scroll down for childcare estimates, home price-to-income ratios, and FAQ.
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Estimated annual swing
+$17,448/yr
Favoring Cartagena for this income & household (illustrative).
With the extra $1,454/mo, you could pay down a $15,000 card balance in ~11 months and still keep ~$174/mo for dining out.
Full family cost breakdown
| Metric | Cartagena Bolívar | Wilmington North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $390Better | $1,250 |
| 2BR rent / month | $870Better | $2,050 |
| Median home price | — | $340K |
| Median household income | — | $57K |
| Est. childcare / month | $520Better | $1,209 |
| State income tax | NoneBetter | 4.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 19% | 7%Better |
| Monthly utilities | $70Better | $158 |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | — | 98 |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Tax savings
Cartagena saves ~$450/mo in taxes
Redirect those extra take-home dollars to a cash-back card — groceries, gas, and dining all earn rewards.
Housing savings
Cartagena saves ~$1,180/mo in rent
Whether you rent or buy, make sure your home and belongings are covered with the right plan.
Childcare savings
Cartagena saves ~$8,268/yr on childcare
Put the difference to work in a high-yield savings account — it compounds fast over a few years.
While you're comparing — don't leave money on the table.
Mortgages
See what you can afford in Wilmington
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Home & Auto Insurance
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New state means new rates. Lock in Wilmington homeowners + auto quotes before your move date.
Moving Rewards Card
Turn closing costs & moving expenses into cash back
Average family spends $6,200 on a move. These cards pay 2–4% back + 0% intro APR on purchases.
Frequently asked questions
Which city is better for raising a family — Cartagena or Wilmington?
Based on housing costs, income, taxes, and overall affordability, Cartagena scores better for families. 2-bedroom rent is $870/mo in Cartagena vs $2,050/mo. Cartagena is approximately 57% cheaper overall. That said, both cities have strong family communities — the right choice depends on your career, lifestyle, and proximity to family.
What is the average 2-bedroom rent in Cartagena vs Wilmington?
As of Q1 2026, median 2BR rent is $870/month in Cartagena and $2,050/month in Wilmington. Cartagena is 58% cheaper for a family-sized apartment.
Can a family afford to buy a home in Cartagena or Wilmington?
Home price and income data is not available for one or both cities.
How much does childcare cost in Cartagena vs Wilmington?
Estimated infant/toddler childcare runs approximately $520/month in Cartagena and $1,209/month in Wilmington, based on national averages scaled by each city's cost-of-living index. Annual childcare cost difference: ~$8,268/year.
Which city has lower taxes for families?
Cartagena (Bolívar) has no state income tax vs Wilmington's 4.5% rate. For a dual-income family earning $120K combined, that difference is roughly $450/month in take-home pay.
$100K in Cartagena has the same purchasing power as $233K in Wilmington
Childcare estimates based on national avg scaled by COL index · Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026