Cost of Living: Newark, NJ vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Newark

New Jersey
100
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Newark and Wilmington have a similar cost of living.

$1,330/mo ↑ 1%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 1%
$48,416/yr ↓ 24%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 32%
$337,800 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 4%
$1,419/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 3%
307,188
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.625%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
2.23%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

33.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

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

Median household income is $15,484/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Newark is $337,800 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Newark vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Newark or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Newark and Wilmington?
Median rent in Newark is $1,330/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $19/month.
Which city has higher income, Newark or Wilmington?
Median household income is $48,416 in Newark and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $15,484/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between New Jersey and North Carolina?
New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Newark or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Newark has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,330/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 Newark details → View Wilmington details →

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