Cost of Living: Pearland, TX vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Pearland

Texas
121
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Pearland is 21% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,759/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 25%
$112,470/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 43%
$330,900 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 6%
$1,962/mo ↑ 43%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 30%
125,983
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

18.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Pearland, TX and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 121 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $448/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $5,376/year.

Median household income is $48,570/year higher in Pearland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Pearland is $330,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Pearland vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Pearland or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 121 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Pearland and Wilmington?
Median rent in Pearland is $1,759/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $448/month.
Which city has higher income, Pearland or Wilmington?
Median household income is $112,470 in Pearland and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $48,570/year higher in Pearland.
How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?
Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Pearland or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Pearland has a cost index of 121 with median rent of $1,759/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 Pearland details → View Wilmington details →

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