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Wilmington, NC Utility & Living Guide
Wilmington is a port city in New Hanover County, North Carolina, United States. With a population of 115,451 as of the 2020 census, it is the eighth-most populous city in the state. The county seat of New Hanover County, it is the principal city of the Wilmington metropolitan area, which includes Ne
Monthly Utility Costs
$120/mo
$50/mo
$45/mo
$25/mo
$65/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1200/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1600/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2100/mo |
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1000 |
Wilmington’s housing market is competitive, with rising prices due to coastal demand. Inventory remains tight, especially for single-family homes near downtown or the beaches.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
102
98
100
$1000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 7.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| <p>State 4.75% + County 2.25% + City 0.5%</p> | |
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99% as of 2026.
Family & Relocation
50
6.5/10
$1000/mo
City Pulse
Limited public transit (WAVE buses have some accessibility features), most families rely on cars.
- Wilmington Children's Museum
- Jungle Rapids Family Fun Park
- Carolina Beach State Park
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Wilmington based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Short-term rental restrictions in some neighborhoods, flood zone building codes enforced due to coastal location.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
Search by city name or ZIP code to find utility costs, housing data and cost of living guides.
📊 Wilmington — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Summer AC use spikes electric bills to $150+ in peak months. Winter heating costs are milder, typically around $90 due to the temperate coastal climate.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
New Hanover County millage rate: 0.4825. Wilmington city adds 0.375. No local income surtax, but flood insurance often required in coastal ZIPs.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
7/10: Good sidewalk coverage in downtown and newer suburbs, excellent park access, but limited elevator-equipped transit and some historic district curb cuts need improvement.
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