Cost of Living: Gilbert, AZ vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Gilbert is 48% more expensive than Wilmington.

$2,028/mo ↑ 55%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 35%
$121,351/yr ↑ 90%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 47%
$518,600 ↑ 48%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 32%
$1,908/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 28%
271,118
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $717/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $8,604/year.

Median household income is $57,451/year higher in Gilbert. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Gilbert slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Gilbert or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Wilmington?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $717/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Wilmington?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $57,451/year higher in Gilbert.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Gilbert or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Wilmington details →

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