Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC

The cost of living in Wilmington, NC, is about 5% below the national average, according to Payscale® data as of July 2026. That means this historic city offers homebuyers the opportunity to enjoy coastal living at prices that can leave more money in your wallet. This guide breaks down housing costs, utilities, taxes, grocery expenses, and recreation fees, as well as average salaries, to help you understand how Wilmington, NC, living costs may impact your budget.

Summary:

Housing Costs in Wilmington, NC
Other Living Expenses in Wilmington, NC
- Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Wilmington
- Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Wilmington
- Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Wilmington
- Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Wilmington
- Tax Rates in the Wilmington Area
- Recreation Costs in Wilmington, North Carolina
Average Salary in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC, Cost of Living Comparison
Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Wilmington by Neighborhood
Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC: Conclusion

Housing Costs in Wilmington, NC

Housing costs in Wilmington are around 21% below the national average, according to Payscale’s July 2026 data. The median sale price for a home was $479K over three months prior to the end of May 2026, up 5.4% year over year, according to Redfin®. Renting an apartment in Wilmington is roughly on par with the national average of $1,924, with monthly rent averaging $1,882 as of February 2026 per StarNews Online. August 2026 data from RentCafe® finds that one-bedroom apartments average $1,409, two-bedroom apartments are around $1,684, and three-bedroom apartments average $2,114 per month.

Exterior of a new construction home in Wilmington, reflecting Wilmington, NC, living costs

Other Living Expenses in Wilmington, NC

Housing is only one part of the overall average cost of living in Wilmington, NC. Everyday costs vary by category, with groceries slightly below the national average and expenses like utilities, transportation, and healthcare slightly above it. Here's a closer look at how these common expenses compare.

Grocery Shopping and Dining Out in Wilmington

Grocery and dining costs are essential everyday expenses to consider when budgeting for life in Wilmington. What you spend can vary based on where you shop, how often you dine out, and your household needs. Payscale’s August 2026 data offers the following breakdown of these costs:

Average grocery basket prices: A loaf of bread averages $4.02, a gallon of milk is around $4.66, a carton of eggs is roughly $4.60, and a batch of bananas averages $0.76 per pound.
Sample restaurant meal costs: A hamburger averages $5.69, according to Payscale. Numbeo™ finds that a fast-food meal in Wilmington runs $11, while a three-course meal for two people at a mid-range restaurant is around $80 as of July 2026.
Cost comparison vs. national averages: Food costs are 2% below the national average per Payscale.

Transportation Options and Fuel Costs in Wilmington

Transportation costs in Wilmington are 5% higher than the national average, per Payscale’s August 2026 data. Gas averages $3.59 per gallon, according to AAA® in August 2026. Though many residents rely on a car for daily commuting, Wave Transit operates bus routes across the city with fares ranging from $2 for a one-ride pass to $80 for a 31-day pass. Residents in outlying communities, such as Leland and Southport, also typically budget for bridge and highway commutes into the city, depending on the neighborhood.

Healthcare and Insurance Costs in Wilmington

Healthcare in Wilmington is 7% higher than the national average as of August 2026, according to Payscale, with a typical doctor's visit averaging $163.98, a dental visit being around $131.73, and an optometrist appointment about $149.36. However, out-of-pocket costs vary depending on your insurance coverage. Overall, the cost of living in Wilmington, NC, for a single adult’s healthcare expenses averages $3,350 annually, which rises to about $11,199 for a household of two working adults with two children, according to the MIT Living Wage Calculator as of February 2026.

For homebuyers purchasing their own coverage, monthly health insurance premiums in North Carolina average $800 per month without discounts or subsidies for a 40-year-old on a benchmark Silver plan, or about $182 per month with discounts or subsidies, according to ValuePenguin® data as of June 2026. Rates will vary depending on the provider and type of plan you choose.

Utilities, Internet, and Phone Expenses in Wilmington

Keeping the lights on and staying connected is key for most households. Factoring energy fees into the cost of living, Wilmington utility prices are 4% higher than the national average, per Payscale’s August 2026 data. The snapshot below offers average utility, phone, and internet expenses in Wilmington, though fees will vary depending on your phone and internet provider:

Energy: $228.72 per month (Payscale, August 2026)
Phone: Can range from $55.25/month (Numbeo, July 2026) to $204.04/month (Payscale, August 2026)
Internet: $74.80 (Numbeo, July 2026)

Tax Rates in the Wilmington Area

Taxes are another important factor when evaluating the cost of living in Wilmington, NC. Understanding North Carolina's income, sales, and property taxes can help you build a more complete picture of your potential expenses and plan your budget accordingly:

Income tax: North Carolina levies a flat individual state income tax of 3.99%, according to the state’s Department of Revenue as of 2026.
Property tax: New Hanover County's effective property tax rate is 0.62% per SmartAsset® as of 2026.
Sales tax: According to Avalara®, the minimum combined sales tax rate for Wilmington in 2026 is 7%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% and the New Hanover County rate of 2.25%.

Recreation Costs in Wilmington, North Carolina

Wilmington offers a variety of ways to enjoy your free time, including beaches, parks, trails, cultural attractions, and community events. Many outdoor activities are free or low-cost, while entertainment expenses can vary depending on your interests and lifestyle. Here are a few local favorites and their fees:

Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach: There’s no charge to visit these public beaches and enjoy surfing, paddleboarding, and fishing. Carolina Beach also offers a seasonal boardwalk, with rides and live music in the summer.
Airlie Gardens: This 67-acre public garden along Bradley Creek features azalea displays, freshwater lakes, and the 500-year-old Airlie Oak. General admission is $10, with New Hanover County residents who can show ID admitted for $5.
Battleship North Carolina: Moored along the Cape Fear River, this nine-level WWII memorial ship earned 15 battle stars in the Pacific and now operates as a museum. Adult general admission is $14.
Gary Shell Cross City Trail: This multi-use path for pedestrians and cyclists runs through the city, connecting parks, the University of North Carolina Wilmington campus, and Wrightsville Beach at no cost.
Downtown Riverwalk: The boardwalk along the Cape Fear River is free to all, while the adjacent Live Oak Bank Pavilion in Riverfront Park draws national touring acts year-round for concerts that vary in price.

Average Salary in Wilmington, NC

The average salary in Wilmington is $54,397 per year, or about $26 per hour, according to August 2026 data from ZipRecruiter®. In general, the February 2026 data from MIT’s Living Wage Calculator estimates that, before taxes, a single adult with no children needs to earn $47,267 annually to cover basic living expenses in Wilmington, a household of two adults (one working) with no children needs to earn $66,516 annually, and a household of two working adults with two children need annual combined earnings of $107,762.

Aerial view of Wrightsville Beach, reflecting the cost of living in Wilmington, NC, for recreation

Wilmington, NC, Cost of Living Comparison

Comparing the average cost of living in Wilmington, North Carolina, with nearby cities can offer helpful context for budgeting. The comparison below uses Forbes® cost-of-living calculator data, as of July 2026, to show how expenses in Wilmington compare with other regional markets based on a $50,000 household income:

Wilmington, NC vs. Raleigh, NC: The overall cost of living in Raleigh, NC, is on par with Wilmington. However, there are a few differences in specific categories. Housing costs are 9% higher, healthcare expenses are 8% higher, and utilities are around 11% lower in Raleigh compared to Wilmington.
Wilmington, NC vs. Charleston, SC: The overall cost of living in Charleston, SC, is 1% higher than in Wilmington. Housing costs are around 12% higher in Charleston, but healthcare expenses are 26% lower than in Wilmington.
Wilmington, NC vs. Savannah, GA: The Savannah, GA, cost of living is 4% lower than in Wilmington, with housing costs 7% lower, healthcare around 8% lower, and utility prices just 1% lower than in Wilmington.

Average Cost of New Construction Homes in Wilmington by Neighborhood

New construction home prices across the Wilmington area vary based on factors such as location, available homesites, community amenities, home features, and market conditions. Coastal communities and downtown neighborhoods tend to be more expensive, but homebuyers can find options throughout Wilmington and nearby Brunswick County communities, each with its own mix of new homes and lifestyle amenities. Here's a closer look at new construction pricing in five popular areas.

Wilmington

Wilmington combines a historic downtown and beautiful Riverwalk with access to nearby coastal destinations such as Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach. New Hanover County Schools serves the area, and the city is also home to major employers like the University of North Carolina Wilmington and Novant Health® New Hanover Regional Medical Center. According to NewHomeSource®, new construction homes in Wilmington range from the low $200Ks to the upper $700Ks as of July 2026. Pulte new construction homes in Wilmington, NC, start in the upper $300Ks.

Leland

Located across the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, Leland is one of the region's fastest-growing towns, offering a variety of new construction options with convenient access to Wilmington via U.S. Highway 17. Brunswick County Schools serves the area, while local parks, shopping, and recreation add to the community's appeal. According to NewHomeSource, new construction homes in Leland range from the low $200Ks to the upper $700Ks as of July 2026.

Southport

Situated in Brunswick County where the Cape Fear River meets the Atlantic Ocean, Southport is known for its historic harbor district, coastal setting, and ferry connections to Bald Head Island. Brunswick County Schools serves the area, while N.C. Highway 211 connects Southport with U.S. Highway 17 and surrounding communities. As of July 2026, NewHomeSource finds that new construction homes in Southport range from the mid $200Ks to the low $700Ks. Our new construction homes in Southport, NC, start in the mid $300Ks.

Shallotte

Sitting along the Shallotte River in southern Brunswick County, Shallotte offers convenient access to Ocean Isle Beach and Holden Beach, as well as shopping and dining along Main Street. Brunswick County Schools serves the area. New construction homes in Shallotte range from the low $200Ks to the upper $700Ks, according to NewHomeSource as of July 2026. Our new construction homes in Shallotte, NC, start in the mid $300Ks.

Bolivia

Bolivia, the Brunswick County seat, offers a rural setting with access to county government offices, Brunswick Community College, and both Wilmington and Brunswick County beaches. Brunswick County Schools serves the area. New construction homes in Bolivia, NC, range from the low $200Ks to the lower $700Ks, per NewHomeSource as of July 2026.

Exterior of a new construction home, reflecting the Wilmington, NC, living cost for housing