Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Wilmington, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 6.3% more expensive than Wilmington, NC. This translates to spending an extra $473 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Wilmington, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Wilmington, NC, you'd need approximately $155,674.551 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wilmington, NC and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 19.6% more expensive than in Wilmington, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,836/month in Wilmington, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Wilmington, NC to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $473 more per month than Wilmington, NC, or $5675 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wilmington, NC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Wilmington, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Fayetteville, NC area

Current salary in Wilmington, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $473/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $155.7K in Phoenix, AZ

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from area

Overall Cost

↑ 6.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$473

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$5.7K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Wilmington, NC

Population:123K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$385K

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:106

Median Home:$414K

Wilmington, NC

The Tar Heel State

123K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 123K residents.

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wilmington, NC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Wilmington, NC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,331/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $458more	19.6%
🚗Transportation	$1,268/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $220more	17.4%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$589/mo	↓ $28.76less	4.7%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$561/mo	↑ $27.94more	5.2%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$963/mo	↓ $22.13less	2.2%
📦Other	$1,696/mo	$1,677/mo	↓ $18.41less	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 19.6%

Wilmington, NC

$2,331

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$458

🚗Transportation

↑ 17.4%

Wilmington, NC

$1,268

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$220

🏥Healthcare

↓ 4.7%

Wilmington, NC

$617

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$28.76

less

⚡All Utilities

↑ 5.2%

Wilmington, NC

$533

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$27.94

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.2%

Wilmington, NC

$985

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$22.13

less

📦Other

↓ 1.1%

Wilmington, NC

$1,696

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$18.41

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,266

To$1,390

↑ $124

1 Bed

From$1,678

To$1,510

↓ $168

2 Bed

From$1,836

To$1,750

↓ $86.00

3 Bed

From$2,406

To$2,330

↓ $76.00

Wilmington, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,790/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,431

Monthly in Wilmington, NC

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$637

Difference

Home Values

Wilmington

Phoenix

$385K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +45.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$380K - $499K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 8% more expensive than Wilmington

Calculate payment - Wilmington Calculate payment - Phoenix

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$158

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

Rate difference

Wilmington, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Wilmington, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.