Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Wilmington, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 0.1% cheaper than Wilmington, NC. The two cities have very similar living costs.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Wilmington, NC, you'd need approximately $149,926.661 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Wilmington, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 5.9% more expensive than in Wilmington, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,836/month in Wilmington, NC.

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

Moving from Wilmington, NC to Raleigh, NC could save you approximately $6 per month, or $73 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Wilmington, NC vs Raleigh, NC: 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 save $6.11/month moving to Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $149.9K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↓ 0.1%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$6.11

Savings

Annual Impact

$73.34

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$512K

Wilmington, NC

The Tar Heel State

123K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Wilmington, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Wilmington, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,331/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $138more	5.9%
🛒Groceries	$985/mo	$959/mo	↓ $26.12less	2.7%
🏥Healthcare	$617/mo	$601/mo	↓ $16.37less	2.7%
🚗Transportation	$1,268/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $15.60more	1.2%
⚡All Utilities	$533/mo	$546/mo	↑ $13.18more	2.5%
📦Other	$1,696/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $11.72more	0.7%

🏠Housing

↑ 5.9%

Wilmington, NC

$2,331

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$138

🛒Groceries

↓ 2.7%

Wilmington, NC

$985

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$26.12

less

🏥Healthcare

↓ 2.7%

Wilmington, NC

$617

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$16.37

less

🚗Transportation

↑ 1.2%

Wilmington, NC

$1,268

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$15.60

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.5%

Wilmington, NC

$533

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$13.18

📦Other

↑ 0.7%

Wilmington, NC

$1,696

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$11.72

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,266

To$1,570

↑ $304

1 Bed

From$1,678

To$1,640

↓ $38.00

2 Bed

From$1,836

To$1,800

↓ $36.00

3 Bed

From$2,406

To$2,255

↓ $151

Wilmington, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,510–$1,790/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$136

Difference

Home Values

Wilmington

Raleigh

$385K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -0.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +45.7%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$380K - $499K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 33% more expensive than Wilmington

Calculate payment - Wilmington Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Raleigh, 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

Additional Tax Information

Wilmington, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.