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

Tempe

Arizona
120
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Tempe is 20% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,623/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 19%
$77,643/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 18%
$421,900 ↑ 20%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 17%
$1,554/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 12%
186,419
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

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tempe, AZ and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $312/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,744/year.

Median household income is $13,743/year higher in Tempe. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tempe is $421,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tempe vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Tempe or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 120 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tempe and Wilmington?
Median rent in Tempe is $1,623/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $312/month.
Which city has higher income, Tempe or Wilmington?
Median household income is $77,643 in Tempe and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $13,743/year higher in Tempe.
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 Tempe or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Tempe has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,623/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 Tempe details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

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