Median rent is 26% lower in Wilmington ($1,311/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wilmington, where the median home runs $350,300 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $63,900 a year). Taken together, Wilmington is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 100.7 against 113.0 — about 11% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in New York, NY.
Quick verdict
Wilmington is 11% cheaper overall
Cost index: 100.7 in Wilmington vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
New York, NY
City B
Wilmington, NC
How much would you need to earn in Wilmington, NC to maintain your standard of living from New York, NY?
Equivalent salary in Wilmington, NC
$66,871
You could earn $8,129 less (11% lower) and break even.
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
New York
New York
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Wilmington — median rent of $1,311/mo versus $1,779/mo in New York, a 26% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $350,300 in Wilmington — 53% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Wilmington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 4.75% in North Carolina; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Wilmington
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Wilmington.
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 100.7 vs 113.0).
Pick New York if you prioritize higher median household income ($79,713/yr).
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,311/mo median).
Pick Wilmington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is New York cheaper than Wilmington?
Wilmington is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 100.7 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 11% lower in Wilmington.
How much is rent in New York vs Wilmington?
Median rent is $1,779/mo in New York, NY and $1,311/mo in Wilmington, NC. Wilmington, NC has the lower rent by about 26%.
Which has higher salaries — New York or Wilmington?
Median household income is $79,713 in New York, NY and $63,900 in Wilmington, NC. New York, NY 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 — New York or Wilmington?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Wilmington, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my New York income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in New York, NY is equivalent to roughly $89,161 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