Cost of Living: Phoenix, AZ vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Phoenix

Arizona
109
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Phoenix is 9% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,458/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 10%
$77,041/yr ↑ 21%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 17%
$381,900 ↑ 9%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 8%
$1,430/mo ↑ 4%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 4%
1,624,832
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

2.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.6%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.62%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Phoenix, AZ and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 109 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $147/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,764/year.

Median household income is $13,141/year higher in Phoenix. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Phoenix is $381,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Phoenix slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Phoenix vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Phoenix or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 109 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Phoenix and Wilmington?
Median rent in Phoenix is $1,458/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $147/month.
Which city has higher income, Phoenix or Wilmington?
Median household income is $77,041 in Phoenix and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $13,141/year higher in Phoenix.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Phoenix or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Phoenix has a cost index of 109 with median rent of $1,458/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 Phoenix details → View Wilmington details →

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