Cost of Living: Warren, MI vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Warren

Michigan
73
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Warren is 27% cheaper than Wilmington.

$1,184/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↑ 11%
$63,741/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$63,900/yr ≈ Same
$181,900 ↓ 48%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 93%
$1,098/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↑ 25%
138,128
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

4.25%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.38%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Warren, MI and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 73 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $127/month cheaper in Warren, saving renters about $1,524/year.

Median household income is $159/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Warren is $181,900 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Warren slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Warren vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Warren or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Warren is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Warren and Wilmington?
Median rent in Warren is $1,184/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $127/month.
Which city has higher income, Warren or Wilmington?
Median household income is $63,741 in Warren and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $159/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between Michigan and North Carolina?
Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Warren or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Warren has a cost index of 73 with median rent of $1,184/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 Warren details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Warren and Wilmington

Warren vs. Orange Warren vs. Columbia Warren vs. Metairie Warren vs. West Valley City Warren vs. Fullerton Warren vs. Hampton Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge