Median rent is 9% lower in Wilmington ($1,187/mo vs $1,311/mo). Buying is cheaper in Wilmington, where the median home runs $224,500 versus $350,300. Households earn more in Wilmington ($63,900 vs $55,269 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (100.7).
City A
Wilmington, DE
City B
Wilmington, NC
How much would you need to earn in Wilmington, NC to maintain your standard of living from Wilmington, DE?
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
Wilmington
Delaware
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 Wilmington at $1,187/mo compared to $1,311/mo in Wilmington (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Wilmington: the median home is $350,300 versus $224,500 in Wilmington — 36% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Delaware's top income tax rate is 6.60% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Wilmington is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Delaware and 4.75% in North Carolina; Wilmington has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Wilmington
Income tax: 6.60%
Sales tax: None
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 Wilmington if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Wilmington cheaper than Wilmington?
Wilmington 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 Wilmington.
How much is rent in Wilmington vs Wilmington?
Median rent is $1,187/mo in Wilmington, DE and $1,311/mo in Wilmington, NC. Wilmington, DE has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Wilmington or Wilmington?
Median household income is $55,269 in Wilmington, DE 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 — Wilmington or Wilmington?
Delaware's top income tax rate is 6.60% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Wilmington, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Wilmington to match my Wilmington income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Wilmington, DE 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