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

Atlanta

Georgia
122
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Atlanta is 22% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,617/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 19%
$81,938/yr ↑ 28%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 22%
$420,600 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 17%
$1,695/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 19%
499,287
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

23.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Atlanta, GA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $306/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,672/year.

Median household income is $18,038/year higher in Atlanta. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Atlanta is $420,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Atlanta vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Atlanta or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Atlanta and Wilmington?
Median rent in Atlanta is $1,617/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $306/month.
Which city has higher income, Atlanta or Wilmington?
Median household income is $81,938 in Atlanta and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $18,038/year higher in Atlanta.
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 Atlanta or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Atlanta has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,617/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 Atlanta details → View Wilmington details →

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