Cost of Living: Killeen, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Killeen

Texas
75
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Killeen is 25% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,147/mo ↓ 13%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 14%
$58,339/yr ↓ 9%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 10%
$196,000 ↓ 44%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 79%
$1,176/mo ↓ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 17%
156,144
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Killeen, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 75 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $164/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $1,968/year.

Median household income is $5,561/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Killeen is $196,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Killeen vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Killeen or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Killeen and Wilmington?
Median rent in Killeen is $1,147/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $164/month.
Which city has higher income, Killeen or Wilmington?
Median household income is $58,339 in Killeen and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $5,561/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Killeen or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Killeen has a cost index of 75 with median rent of $1,147/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 Killeen details → View Wilmington details →

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