Median rent is 12% lower in Camden ($1,157/mo vs $1,311/mo). Buying is cheaper in Camden, where the median home runs $100,400 versus $350,300. Households earn more in Wilmington ($63,900 vs $40,450 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (100.7).
City A
Camden, NJ
City B
Wilmington, NC
How much would you need to earn in Wilmington, NC to maintain your standard of living from Camden, NJ?
Equivalent salary in Wilmington, NC
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Camden
New Jersey
Wilmington
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Camden at $1,157/mo compared to $1,311/mo in Wilmington (12% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Wilmington: the median home is $350,300 versus $100,400 in Camden — 71% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Wilmington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 6.63% in New Jersey and 4.75% in North Carolina; Wilmington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Camden
Income tax: 10.75%
Sales tax: 6.63%
Wilmington
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize higher median household income ($63,900/yr).
Pick Camden if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,157/mo median).
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Camden cheaper than Wilmington?
Camden is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 100.7 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Camden.
How much is rent in Camden vs Wilmington?
Median rent is $1,157/mo in Camden, NJ and $1,311/mo in Wilmington, NC. Camden, NJ has the lower rent by about 12%.
Which has higher salaries — Camden or Wilmington?
Median household income is $40,450 in Camden, NJ and $63,900 in Wilmington, NC. Wilmington, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Camden or Wilmington?
New Jersey's top income tax rate is 10.75% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Wilmington, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Camden income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Camden, NJ is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Wilmington, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology