Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Reno is 22% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,453/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 10%
$78,448/yr ↑ 23%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 19%
$498,600 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 30%
$1,482/mo ↑ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 7%
268,959
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $142/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,704/year.

Median household income is $14,548/year higher in Reno. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Reno or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 122 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Wilmington?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $142/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Wilmington?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $14,548/year higher in Reno.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and North Carolina?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Wilmington details →

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