Cost of Living: Alexandria, VA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Alexandria

Virginia
173
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Alexandria is 73% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,031/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 35%
$113,638/yr ↑ 78%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 44%
$696,800 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 50%
$2,173/mo ↑ 58%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 37%
156,788
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Alexandria, VA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 173 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $720/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $8,640/year.

Median household income is $49,738/year higher in Alexandria. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Alexandria is $696,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Alexandria vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Alexandria or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Alexandria and Wilmington?
Median rent in Alexandria is $2,031/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $720/month.
Which city has higher income, Alexandria or Wilmington?
Median household income is $113,638 in Alexandria and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $49,738/year higher in Alexandria.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Alexandria or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with median rent of $2,031/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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