Wilmington vs Concord for Singles (2026)
Scroll down for rent burden, savings estimate, and FAQ.
Single-person cost breakdown
| Metric | Wilmington North Carolina | Concord North Carolina |
|---|---|---|
| Studio rent / month | $1,250 | $1,200Better |
| 1BR rent / month | $1,550 | $1,500Better |
| Est. single-person income | $34K | $37KBetter |
| Est. monthly take-home | $2,722 | $2,961Better |
| Studio rent burden | 46% | 41%Better |
| Groceries index (US = 100) | 98 | 96Better |
| State income tax | 4.5%Better | 4.5% |
| Walk score | 30 / 100Better | 22 / 100 |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 93 | 92Better |
Your biggest money opportunities based on this comparison.
Monthly savings
Concord: ~$1,193/mo left after rent & living
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Mortgages
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Frequently asked questions
Which city is more affordable for a single person — Wilmington or Concord?
For a single person, Concord comes out ahead on overall affordability. Studio rents are $1,250 in Wilmington vs $1,200 in Concord. A single earner in Wilmington spends about 46% of take-home on studio rent. Concord is ~1% cheaper overall, which matters significantly on a single income.
What is the rent burden for a single person in Wilmington vs Concord?
Rent burden is the percentage of take-home pay spent on housing. Financial planners recommend keeping housing under 30% of gross income. In Wilmington, a single earner spending $1,250/month on a studio carries a 46% rent burden — significantly above the recommended 30%. In Concord, the rent burden is 41% — significantly above the recommended 30%.
How much can a single person save each month in Wilmington vs Concord?
After rent and basic living expenses (groceries, utilities, transport), a single earner can save approximately $900/month in Wilmington vs $1,193/month in Concord. These estimates are based on a single-person income of ~60% of median household income and studio rent costs.
Is it worth living alone in Wilmington vs getting a roommate in Concord?
Splitting a 1BR in Concord ($1,500/person) vs a solo studio in Wilmington ($1,250): splitting a 1BR in Concord ($750/person) is cheaper than a solo studio in Wilmington ($1,250). Factor in the privacy premium and your living preferences when deciding.
Which city is better for a single person's social life?
Walkability is a proxy for urban density and access to dining, entertainment, and social spaces without a car. Wilmington scores higher (30/100) — car-dependent, which may limit spontaneous social activity. For singles, a walkable neighborhood can significantly reduce the cost and friction of having an active social life.
Single-person income estimated at 60% of median household income. Take-home calculated using state income tax rate only. Savings estimate subtracts rent and estimated basic living costs. Data: Zillow, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation · Q1 2026