Cost of Living: Hampton, VA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Hampton

Virginia
88
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Hampton is 12% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,346/mo ↑ 3%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 3%
$67,758/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 6%
$234,100 ↓ 33%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 50%
$1,347/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 2%
137,334
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Hampton, VA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,858/year higher in Hampton. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Hampton is $234,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Hampton vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Hampton or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Hampton and Wilmington?
Median rent in Hampton is $1,346/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $35/month.
Which city has higher income, Hampton or Wilmington?
Median household income is $67,758 in Hampton and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,858/year higher in Hampton.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Hampton or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Hampton has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,346/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 Hampton details → View Wilmington details →

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