Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Portland is 38% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,596/mo ↑ 22%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 18%
$88,792/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 28%
$557,600 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 37%
$1,771/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 23%
642,715
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $285/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,420/year.

Median household income is $24,892/year higher in Portland. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Portland or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Wilmington?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $285/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Wilmington?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $24,892/year higher in Portland.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Wilmington details →

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