Cost of Living: Athens, GA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Athens

Georgia
83
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Athens is 17% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,162/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 13%
$51,655/yr ↓ 19%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 24%
$271,800 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 29%
$1,163/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 18%
126,987
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.49%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Athens, GA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 83 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $149/month cheaper in Athens, saving renters about $1,788/year.

Median household income is $12,245/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Athens is $271,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Athens vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Athens or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Athens is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Athens and Wilmington?
Median rent in Athens is $1,162/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $149/month.
Which city has higher income, Athens or Wilmington?
Median household income is $51,655 in Athens and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $12,245/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Georgia and North Carolina?
Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Athens or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Athens has a cost index of 83 with median rent of $1,162/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 Athens details → View Wilmington details →

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