Cost of Living: Lexington, KY vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Lexington

Kentucky
82
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Lexington is 18% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,101/mo ↓ 16%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 19%
$67,631/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 6%
$272,100 ↓ 22%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 29%
$1,160/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 18%
321,122
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.83%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Lexington, KY and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $210/month cheaper in Lexington, saving renters about $2,520/year.

Median household income is $3,731/year higher in Lexington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Lexington is $272,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Kentucky has a lower income tax rate, making Lexington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Lexington vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Lexington or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lexington is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Lexington and Wilmington?
Median rent in Lexington is $1,101/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $210/month.
Which city has higher income, Lexington or Wilmington?
Median household income is $67,631 in Lexington and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,731/year higher in Lexington.
How do taxes compare between Kentucky and North Carolina?
Kentucky has 4.0% income tax, 6.0% 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 Lexington or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Lexington has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,101/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 Lexington details → View Wilmington details →

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