Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Boston is 76% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,093/mo ↑ 60%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 37%
$94,755/yr ↑ 48%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 33%
$710,400 ↑ 103%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 51%
$2,176/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 37%
663,972
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $782/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $9,384/year.

Median household income is $30,855/year higher in Boston. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Boston or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Wilmington?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $782/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Wilmington?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $30,855/year higher in Boston.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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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