Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Seattle is 96% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,998/mo ↑ 52%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 34%
$121,984/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 48%
$912,100 ↑ 160%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 62%
$2,220/mo ↑ 62%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 38%
741,440
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $687/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $8,244/year.

Median household income is $58,084/year higher in Seattle. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Seattle or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Wilmington?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $687/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Wilmington?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $58,084/year higher in Seattle.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Wilmington details →

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