Wilmington, North Carolina has an overall cost of living index of 100.7, which is 0.7 points above the US average of 100 — making it about average versus most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,311 per month, while the typical home is valued around $350,300. Households earn a median of $63,900 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$63,900
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,311
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$350,300
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
100.7
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,144
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,513
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,659
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,178
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
100.7
Goods
95.2
Rents / Housing
115.8
Services
108.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
4.50%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.75%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $125,850 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $94,850 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $76,730 |
| ⚡Electrician | $77,460 |
| 📊Accountant | $93,710 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
118,578
Latest estimate
Median Age
37.5 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Wilmington?
Wilmington has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 100.7. The US national average is 100, so Wilmington is 0.7 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in Wilmington?
The median gross rent in Wilmington is $1,311 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Wilmington?
The median household income in Wilmington is $63,900 per year.
What is the median home value in Wilmington?
The median home value in Wilmington is $350,300 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Wilmington?
Air quality data for Wilmington is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Wilmington?
North Carolina has a top state income tax rate of 4.50% and a statewide sales tax of 4.75% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology