Cost of Living: Indianapolis, IN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Indianapolis

Indiana
74
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Indianapolis is 26% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,112/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 18%
$62,995/yr ↓ 1%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 1%
$207,000 ↓ 41%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 69%
$1,124/mo ↓ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 22%
882,043
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

3.05%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Indianapolis, IN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 74 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $199/month cheaper in Indianapolis, saving renters about $2,388/year.

Median household income is $905/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Indianapolis is $207,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Indianapolis slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Indianapolis vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Indianapolis or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Indianapolis is cheaper to live in with an index of 74 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Indianapolis and Wilmington?
Median rent in Indianapolis is $1,112/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $199/month.
Which city has higher income, Indianapolis or Wilmington?
Median household income is $62,995 in Indianapolis and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $905/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Indiana and North Carolina?
Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Indianapolis or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Indianapolis has a cost index of 74 with median rent of $1,112/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 Indianapolis details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Indianapolis and Wilmington

Indianapolis vs. Charlotte Indianapolis vs. San Francisco Indianapolis vs. Columbus Indianapolis vs. Seattle Indianapolis vs. Fort Worth Indianapolis vs. Denver Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge