Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Salt Lake City is 17% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,343/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 2%
$74,925/yr ↑ 17%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 15%
$495,700 ↑ 42%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 29%
$1,394/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 2%
203,888
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $11,025/year higher in Salt Lake City. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 117 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Wilmington?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $32/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Wilmington?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $11,025/year higher in Salt Lake City.
How do taxes compare between Utah and North Carolina?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Wilmington details →

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