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

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Miami Gardens

Florida
115

Wilmington is 13% cheaper than Miami Gardens.

$1,311/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$1,709/mo ↑ 30%
$63,900/yr ↑ 5%
Median Income
$60,979/yr ↓ 5%
$350,300 ↑ 4%
Home Value
$337,200 ↓ 4%
$1,371/mo ↓ 16%
Owner Costs
$1,640/mo ↑ 20%
118,578
Population
111,264

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
33.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Miami Gardens, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 115 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $398/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $4,776/year.

Median household income is $2,921/year higher in Wilmington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $337,200 in Miami Gardens.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Miami Gardens — common questions

Is Wilmington or Miami Gardens cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 115 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Miami Gardens?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Miami Gardens it's $1,709/month — a difference of $398/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Miami Gardens?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $60,979 in Miami Gardens. Median household income is $2,921/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 Miami Gardens?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Miami Gardens has a cost index of 115 with rent of $1,709/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Miami Gardens details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wilmington and Miami Gardens

Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge Miami Gardens vs. Pueblo Miami Gardens vs. Everett Miami Gardens vs. Murrieta Miami Gardens vs. Costa Mesa Miami Gardens vs. Downey Miami Gardens vs. Temecula