Wilson, NC Cost of Living & Utility Guide 2026

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Wilson, NC Utility & Living Guide

Wilson is a city in and the county seat of Wilson County, North Carolina, United States. It is the 23rd most populous city in North Carolina. Located approximately 40 mi (64 km) east of the capital city of Raleigh, it is served by the interchange of Interstate 95 and U.S. Route 264. As of the 2020 c

Last updated: June 26, 2026

Total Utilities$305/mo

1BR Rent$1200/mo

Sales Tax7.5%

COL Index105 (+5% above national average)

Family Score6/10

Median Home$320,000

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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Wilson

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💰 Budget Calculator

🔌 Utilities

🏠 Housing

📊 Cost of Living

💰 Taxes

👨‍👩‍👧 Families

🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Wilson Energy

🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only

💧 Water

$45/mo

City of Wilson Water Utilities

🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

City of Wilson Solid Waste Services

📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead$305/month

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

The housing market in Wilson is growing steadily, with a mix of historic homes and new developments. Prices remain below the national average, making it an attractive option for first-time buyers.

Cost of Living

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100

vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$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 4.75%.

Family & Relocation

Family Vibe Score

6/10

Safety Index

Higher = safer

School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg

Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend

+3% (growing)

Political Climate

Purple description

Business Momentum

Moderate with key industries in healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture

Top Local Concerns

Affordable housing, job growth, public safety

🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit in Wilson is limited, but sidewalks and parks are generally accessible for strollers.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions

🎯
Wilson Botanical Gardens
🎯
Imagination Station Science Museum
🎯
Wilson County Fair

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Brentwood and Westwood are popular for families, offering good schools and parks. Historic districts provide charm and community events.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Wilson based on your household profile.

📰 Live Local News

Residents must obtain permits for home renovations and adhere to zoning laws for property use.

Financial Tools

Calculators

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

Planning Tools

Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side

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📊 Wilson — Census & Demographic Data

Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.

☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs

Utility costs rise in summer due to increased air conditioning use. Winter heating costs are moderate, with milder temperatures reducing extreme fluctuations.