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

Vancouver

Washington
123
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Vancouver is 23% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,632/mo ↑ 24%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 20%
$78,156/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 18%
$440,300 ↑ 26%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 20%
$1,607/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 15%
192,696
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Vancouver, WA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 123 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $321/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $3,852/year.

Median household income is $14,256/year higher in Vancouver. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Vancouver is $440,300 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Vancouver vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Vancouver or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 123 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Vancouver and Wilmington?
Median rent in Vancouver is $1,632/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $321/month.
Which city has higher income, Vancouver or Wilmington?
Median household income is $78,156 in Vancouver and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $14,256/year higher in Vancouver.
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 Vancouver or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Vancouver has a cost index of 123 with median rent of $1,632/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 Vancouver details → View Wilmington details →

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