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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Dearborn

Michigan
79

Wilmington is 27% more expensive than Dearborn.

$1,311/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,264/mo ↓ 4%
$63,900/yr ↓ 2%
Median Income
$65,192/yr ↑ 2%
$350,300 ↑ 70%
Home Value
$205,900 ↓ 41%
$1,371/mo ↑ 17%
Owner Costs
$1,174/mo ↓ 14%
118,578
Population
107,846

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Dearborn, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $1,292/year higher in Dearborn. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $205,900 in Dearborn.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Dearborn — common questions

Is Wilmington or Dearborn cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Dearborn is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Dearborn?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Dearborn it's $1,264/month — a difference of $47/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Dearborn?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $65,192 in Dearborn. Median household income is $1,292/year higher in Dearborn.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Dearborn?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Dearborn has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,264/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Dearborn details →

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