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

Greensboro

North Carolina
76
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Greensboro is 24% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,114/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 18%
$58,884/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 9%
$221,300 ↓ 37%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 58%
$1,107/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 24%
298,564
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

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Greensboro, NC and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 76 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $197/month cheaper in Greensboro, saving renters about $2,364/year.

Median household income is $5,016/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Greensboro is $221,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Greensboro vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Greensboro or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Greensboro is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Greensboro and Wilmington?
Median rent in Greensboro is $1,114/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $197/month.
Which city has higher income, Greensboro or Wilmington?
Median household income is $58,884 in Greensboro and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $5,016/year higher in Wilmington.
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 Greensboro or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Greensboro has a cost index of 76 with median rent of $1,114/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 Greensboro details → View Wilmington details →

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