Cost of Living: Meridian, ID vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Meridian

Idaho
131
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Meridian is 31% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,714/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 24%
$98,686/yr ↑ 54%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 35%
$485,000 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 28%
$1,607/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 15%
124,865
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

5.8%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.63%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

20.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Meridian, ID and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 131 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $403/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,836/year.

Median household income is $34,786/year higher in Meridian. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Meridian is $485,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Meridian vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Meridian or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 131 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Meridian and Wilmington?
Median rent in Meridian is $1,714/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $403/month.
Which city has higher income, Meridian or Wilmington?
Median household income is $98,686 in Meridian and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $34,786/year higher in Meridian.
How do taxes compare between Idaho and North Carolina?
Idaho has 5.8% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.63% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Meridian or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Meridian has a cost index of 131 with median rent of $1,714/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 Meridian details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Meridian and Wilmington

Meridian vs. Palm Bay Meridian vs. Vallejo Meridian vs. Allentown Meridian vs. Round Rock Meridian vs. Thousand Oaks Meridian vs. Concord Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge