Cost of Living: Philadelphia, PA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania
85
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Philadelphia is 15% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,323/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ≈ Same
$60,698/yr ↓ 5%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↑ 5%
$232,400 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 51%
$1,233/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 11%
1,582,432
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

3.07%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.49%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Philadelphia, PA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 85 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $3,202/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Philadelphia is $232,400 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Pennsylvania has a lower income tax rate, making Philadelphia slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Philadelphia vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Philadelphia or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Philadelphia is cheaper to live in with an index of 85 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Philadelphia and Wilmington?
Median rent in Philadelphia is $1,323/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Philadelphia or Wilmington?
Median household income is $60,698 in Philadelphia and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,202/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Pennsylvania and North Carolina?
Pennsylvania has 3.07% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.49% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Philadelphia or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Philadelphia has a cost index of 85 with median rent of $1,323/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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