Cost of Living: New Haven, CT vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

New Haven

Connecticut
95
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

New Haven is 5% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,442/mo ↑ 10%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 9%
$53,771/yr ↓ 16%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 19%
$249,000 ↓ 29%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 41%
$1,520/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 10%
132,893
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

6.99%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.35%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

32.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing New Haven, CT and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $131/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,572/year.

Median household income is $10,129/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in New Haven is $249,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

New Haven vs Wilmington — common questions

Is New Haven or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, New Haven is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between New Haven and Wilmington?
Median rent in New Haven is $1,442/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $131/month.
Which city has higher income, New Haven or Wilmington?
Median household income is $53,771 in New Haven and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $10,129/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Connecticut and North Carolina?
Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to New Haven or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. New Haven has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,442/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 New Haven details → View Wilmington details →

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