Cost of Living: Charlotte, NC vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Charlotte

North Carolina
108
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Charlotte is 8% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,504/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 13%
$78,438/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 19%
$351,500 ≈ Same
Home Value
$350,300 ≈ Same
$1,487/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 8%
886,283
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Charlotte, NC and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 108 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $193/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $2,316/year.

Median household income is $14,538/year higher in Charlotte. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Charlotte is $351,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Charlotte vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Charlotte or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 108 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Charlotte and Wilmington?
Median rent in Charlotte is $1,504/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $193/month.
Which city has higher income, Charlotte or Wilmington?
Median household income is $78,438 in Charlotte and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $14,538/year higher in Charlotte.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Charlotte or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Charlotte has a cost index of 108 with median rent of $1,504/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 Charlotte details → View Wilmington details →

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