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

Miami

Florida
129
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Miami is 29% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,657/mo ↑ 26%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 21%
$59,390/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 8%
$475,200 ↑ 36%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 26%
$1,666/mo ↑ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 18%
446,663
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

33.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Miami, FL and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 129 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $346/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,152/year.

Median household income is $4,510/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Miami is $475,200 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Miami vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Miami or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 129 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Miami and Wilmington?
Median rent in Miami is $1,657/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $346/month.
Which city has higher income, Miami or Wilmington?
Median household income is $59,390 in Miami and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $4,510/year higher in Wilmington.
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 Miami or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Miami has a cost index of 129 with median rent of $1,657/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 Miami details → View Wilmington details →

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