Cost of Living: Elizabeth, NJ vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Elizabeth is 12% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,463/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 10%
$63,874/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,900/yr ≈ Same
$393,500 ↑ 12%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 11%
$1,543/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 11%
135,887
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Elizabeth, NJ and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 112 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $152/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,824/year.

Median household income is $26/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Elizabeth is $393,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Elizabeth vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Elizabeth or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 112 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Elizabeth and Wilmington?
Median rent in Elizabeth is $1,463/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $152/month.
Which city has higher income, Elizabeth or Wilmington?
Median household income is $63,874 in Elizabeth and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $26/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Elizabeth or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with median rent of $1,463/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 Elizabeth details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Elizabeth and Wilmington

Elizabeth vs. Victorville Elizabeth vs. Stamford Elizabeth vs. Miramar Elizabeth vs. Kent Elizabeth vs. Pasadena Elizabeth vs. Midland Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge