Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Cambridge, MA (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Cambridge

Massachusetts
239

Wilmington is 139% cheaper than Cambridge.

$1,311/mo ↓ 52%
Median Rent
$2,742/mo ↑ 109%
$63,900/yr ↓ 49%
Median Income
$126,469/yr ↑ 98%
$350,300 ↓ 66%
Home Value
$1,040,500 ↑ 197%
$1,371/mo ↓ 48%
Owner Costs
$2,634/mo ↑ 92%
118,578
Population
117,794

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Cambridge, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 239 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,431/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $17,172/year.

Median household income is $62,569/year higher in Cambridge. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $1,040,500 in Cambridge.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Cambridge — common questions

Is Wilmington or Cambridge cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 239 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Cambridge?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Cambridge it's $2,742/month — a difference of $1,431/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Cambridge?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $126,469 in Cambridge. Median household income is $62,569/year higher in Cambridge.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Cambridge?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Cambridge has a cost index of 239 with rent of $2,742/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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