Cost of Living: Minneapolis, MN vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Minneapolis

Minnesota
102
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Minneapolis and Wilmington have a similar cost of living.

$1,329/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 1%
$80,269/yr ↑ 26%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 20%
$345,600 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 1%
$1,513/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 9%
426,845
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.85%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.875%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.11%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Minneapolis, MN and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $16,369/year higher in Minneapolis. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Minneapolis is $345,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Minneapolis vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Minneapolis or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 102 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Minneapolis and Wilmington?
Median rent in Minneapolis is $1,329/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $18/month.
Which city has higher income, Minneapolis or Wilmington?
Median household income is $80,269 in Minneapolis and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $16,369/year higher in Minneapolis.
How do taxes compare between Minnesota and North Carolina?
Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Minneapolis or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Minneapolis has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,329/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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