Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Lakeland, FL (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Lakeland

Florida
82

Wilmington is 22% more expensive than Lakeland.

$1,311/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,299/mo ≈ Same
$63,900/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,947/yr ↓ 5%
$350,300 ↑ 53%
Home Value
$229,100 ↓ 35%
$1,371/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,149/mo ↓ 16%
118,578
Population
117,030

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Lakeland, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 82 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $2,953/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $229,100 in Lakeland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Lakeland — common questions

Is Wilmington or Lakeland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lakeland is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Lakeland?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Lakeland it's $1,299/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Lakeland?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $60,947 in Lakeland. Median household income is $2,953/year higher in Wilmington.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Lakeland?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Lakeland has a cost index of 82 with rent of $1,299/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Lakeland details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wilmington and Lakeland

Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Clearwater Lakeland vs. The Woodlands Lakeland vs. North Charleston Lakeland vs. Evansville Lakeland vs. Cambridge Lakeland vs. Brandon