Cost of Living: Worcester, MA vs Wilmington, NC (2026)

Worcester

Massachusetts
104
VS

Wilmington

North Carolina
100

Worcester is 4% more expensive than Wilmington.

$1,415/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,311/mo ↓ 7%
$67,544/yr ↑ 6%
Median Income
$63,900/yr ↓ 5%
$339,500 ↓ 3%
Home Value
$350,300 ↑ 3%
$1,521/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,371/mo ↓ 10%
205,501
Population
118,578

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Worcester, MA and Wilmington, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 104 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $104/month cheaper in Wilmington, saving renters about $1,248/year.

Median household income is $3,644/year higher in Worcester. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Worcester is $339,500 compared to $350,300 in Wilmington.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Wilmington slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Worcester vs Wilmington — common questions

Is Worcester or Wilmington cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Wilmington is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 104 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Worcester and Wilmington?
Median rent in Worcester is $1,415/month and in Wilmington it's $1,311/month — a difference of $104/month.
Which city has higher income, Worcester or Wilmington?
Median household income is $67,544 in Worcester and $63,900 in Wilmington. Median household income is $3,644/year higher in Worcester.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Worcester or Wilmington?
It depends on your priorities. Worcester has a cost index of 104 with median rent of $1,415/mo, while Wilmington has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,311/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Worcester details → View Wilmington details →

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