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

Surprise

Arizona
126
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Surprise is 26% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,917/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 32%
$93,371/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 32%
$396,000 ↑ 13%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 12%
$1,587/mo ↑ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 14%
149,519
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

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Surprise, AZ and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $606/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,272/year.

Median household income is $29,471/year higher in Surprise. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Surprise is $396,000 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Surprise vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Surprise or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 126 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Surprise and Wilmington?
Median rent in Surprise is $1,917/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $606/month.
Which city has higher income, Surprise or Wilmington?
Median household income is $93,371 in Surprise and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $29,471/year higher in Surprise.
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 Surprise or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Surprise has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,917/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 Surprise details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Surprise and Wilmington

Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge