Cost of Living: Wilmington, NC vs Odessa, TX (2026)

Wilmington

North Carolina
100
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Wilmington is 20% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,311/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ≈ Same
$63,900/yr ↓ 13%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↑ 14%
$350,300 ↑ 68%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 41%
$1,371/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 9%
118,578
Population
114,080

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

24.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Wilmington, NC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 100 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $9,130/year higher in Odessa. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Wilmington is $350,300 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington vs Odessa — common questions

Is Wilmington or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 100 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Wilmington and Odessa?
Median rent in Wilmington is $1,311/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $11/month.
Which city has higher income, Wilmington or Odessa?
Median household income is $63,900 in Wilmington and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $9,130/year higher in Odessa.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Wilmington or Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with median rent of $1,311/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Wilmington details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Wilmington and Odessa

Wilmington vs. Spring Hill Wilmington vs. Billings Wilmington vs. West Palm Beach Wilmington vs. Richardson Wilmington vs. Hartford Wilmington vs. Cambridge Odessa vs. Elgin Odessa vs. Springfield Odessa vs. Provo Odessa vs. Beaumont Odessa vs. Waterbury Odessa vs. Gresham