Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Washington is 71% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,900/mo ↑ 45%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 31%
$106,287/yr ↑ 66%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 40%
$724,600 ↑ 107%
Home Value
$350,300 ↓ 52%
$2,103/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 35%
672,079
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $589/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $7,068/year.

Median household income is $42,387/year higher in Washington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Washington or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Wilmington?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $589/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Wilmington?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $42,387/year higher in Washington.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Wilmington details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Washington and Wilmington

Washington vs. El Paso Washington vs. Boston Washington vs. Nashville Washington vs. Las Vegas Washington vs. Oklahoma City Washington vs. Portland Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge