Cost of Living in Wilmington, North Carolina (2026)
COL Index
93
100 = US avg
1BR Rent
$1,550
per month
Median HHI
$57K
per year
State Tax
4.5%
income tax
Full cost breakdown
| Category | Wilmington |
|---|---|
| 🏠 HousingQ1 2026 | |
| Studio rent/mo | $1,250 |
| 1BR rent/mo | $1,550 |
| 2BR rent/mo | $2,050 |
| Median home price | $340K |
| 🛒 Food & GroceriesQ1 2026 | |
| Groceries index (100 = US avg) | 98 |
| Budget meal (1 person) | $14 |
| Mid-range dinner (2 people) | $56 |
| 🚌 TransportationQ1 2026 | |
| Monthly transit pass/mo | $45 |
| Gas price/gal | $3.15 |
| Car insurance/mo | $148 |
| ⚡ UtilitiesQ1 2026 | |
| Utilities bundle (elec + gas + water)/mo | $158 |
| Internet/mo | $62 |
| 💰 Income & TaxesQ1 2026 | |
| Median household income/yr | $57K |
| State income tax rate | 4.5% |
| Sales tax (combined) | 7.0% |
| 📊 OverviewQ1 2026 | |
| Overall COL index (100 = US avg) | 93 |
| Walk score / 100 | 30 |
Is Wilmington affordable on your salary?
How rent burden (1BR) changes across income levels. Under 30% is comfortable; above 40% is tight.
$40K
~$2,578/mo take-home
60% rent burden · Difficult
$50K
~$2,973/mo take-home
52% rent burden · Difficult
$60K
~$3,568/mo take-home
43% rent burden · Tight
$75K
~$4,459/mo take-home
35% rent burden · Manageable
$80K
~$4,757/mo take-home
33% rent burden · Manageable
$100K
~$5,946/mo take-home
26% rent burden · Comfortable
$120K
~$6,705/mo take-home
23% rent burden · Comfortable
$150K
~$8,381/mo take-home
18% rent burden · Very comfortable
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Data: Zillow Observed Rent Index, BLS, Numbeo, Tax Foundation, US Census ACS · Q1 2026 · For general guidance only