Cost of Living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Ann Arbor is 21% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,552/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 16%
$81,089/yr ↑ 27%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 21%
$435,100 ↑ 24%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 19%
$1,638/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 16%
121,179
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ann Arbor, MI and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $241/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $2,892/year.

Median household income is $17,189/year higher in Ann Arbor. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ann Arbor is $435,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ann Arbor vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Ann Arbor or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ann Arbor and Wilmington?
Median rent in Ann Arbor is $1,552/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $241/month.
Which city has higher income, Ann Arbor or Wilmington?
Median household income is $81,089 in Ann Arbor and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $17,189/year higher in Ann Arbor.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and North Carolina?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Ann Arbor or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,552/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.
View Ann Arbor details → View Wilmington details →

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