Cost of Living: Jacksonville, FL vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Jacksonville

Florida
92
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Jacksonville is 8% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,375/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 5%
$66,981/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 5%
$266,100 ↓ 24%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 32%
$1,324/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 4%
961,739
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Jacksonville, FL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 92 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $64/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $768/year.

Median household income is $3,081/year higher in Jacksonville. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Jacksonville is $266,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Jacksonville residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Jacksonville vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Jacksonville or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Jacksonville is cheaper to live in with an index of 92 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Jacksonville and Wilmington?
Median rent in Jacksonville is $1,375/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $64/month.
Which city has higher income, Jacksonville or Wilmington?
Median household income is $66,981 in Jacksonville and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,081/year higher in Jacksonville.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Jacksonville or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Jacksonville has a cost index of 92 with median rent of $1,375/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.
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