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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Lansing

Michigan
58

Wilmington is 72% more expensive than Lansing.

$1,311/mo ↑ 34%
Median Rent
$976/mo ↓ 26%
$63,900/yr ↑ 22%
Median Income
$52,170/yr ↓ 18%
$350,300 ↑ 193%
Home Value
$119,400 ↓ 66%
$1,371/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$978/mo ↓ 29%
118,578
Population
112,546

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Lansing, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 58 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $335/month cheaper in Lansing, saving renters about $4,020/year.

Median household income is $11,730/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $119,400 in Lansing.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Lansing — common questions

Is Wilmington or Lansing cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lansing is cheaper to live in with an index of 58 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Lansing?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Lansing it's $976/month — a difference of $335/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Lansing?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $52,170 in Lansing. Median household income is $11,730/year higher in Wilmington.
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 Lansing?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Lansing has a cost index of 58 with rent of $976/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Lansing details →

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