Cost of Living: Denton, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Denton

Texas
100
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Denton and Wilmington have a similar cost of living.

$1,344/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 2%
$73,719/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 13%
$325,700 ↓ 7%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 8%
$1,461/mo ↑ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 6%
146,987
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $9,819/year higher in Denton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Denton is $325,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Denton residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Denton vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Denton or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Denton and Wilmington?
Median rent in Denton is $1,344/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $33/month.
Which city has higher income, Denton or Wilmington?
Median household income is $73,719 in Denton and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $9,819/year higher in Denton.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Denton or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Denton has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,344/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 Denton details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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