Cost of Living: Baltimore, MD vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Baltimore

Maryland
84
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Baltimore is 16% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,290/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 2%
$59,623/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 7%
$219,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 60%
$1,333/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 3%
577,193
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.07%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Baltimore, MD and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 84 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $4,277/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Baltimore is $219,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Baltimore vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Baltimore or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Baltimore is cheaper to live in with an index of 84 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Baltimore and Wilmington?
Median rent in Baltimore is $1,290/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $21/month.
Which city has higher income, Baltimore or Wilmington?
Median household income is $59,623 in Baltimore and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $4,277/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Maryland and North Carolina?
Maryland has 5.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.07% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Baltimore or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Baltimore has a cost index of 84 with median rent of $1,290/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 Baltimore details → View Wilmington details →

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