Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,096 (excluding rent), and $2,608 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,116 (excluding rent), and $4,989 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$14.93 $14.93

$34.84 $34.84

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$81.4 $81.4

$61.0 $61.0

$122 $122

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$11.22 $11.22

$9.18 $9.18

$15.30 $15.30

Cappuccino

$5.06 $5.06

$3.89 $3.89

$6.80 $6.80

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.34 $2.34

$1.95 $1.95

$2.93 $2.93

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.39 $2.39

$2.05 $2.05

$3.07 $3.07

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$3.93 $3.93

$5.90 $5.90

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.86 $5.86

$4.88 $4.88

$11.72 $11.72

Milk (1 liter)

$0.97 $0.97

$0.75 $0.75

$1.35 $1.35

White Bread (500g)

$3.94 $3.94

$2.69 $2.69

$7.53 $7.53

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.51 $6.51

$4.52 $4.52

$9.05 $9.05

Eggs

$5.52 $5.52

$2.93 $2.93

$5.86 $5.86

Local Cheese (1kg)

$10.17 $10.17

$8.72 $8.72

$26.15 $26.15

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$19.44 $19.44

$6.67 $6.67

$33.45 $33.45

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$22.93 $22.93

$17.74 $17.74

$33.31 $33.31

Apples (1kg)

$7.44 $7.44

$3.81 $3.81

$8.61 $8.61

Banana (1kg)

$1.33 $1.33

$0.83 $0.83

$2.01 $2.01

Oranges (1kg)

$5.64 $5.64

$1.07 $1.07

$12.88 $12.88

Tomato (1kg)

$5.28 $5.28

$3.70 $3.70

$6.55 $6.55

Potato (1kg)

$4.30 $4.30

$2.26 $2.26

$9.07 $9.07

Onion (1kg)

$6.05 $6.05

$3.34 $3.34

$8.98 $8.98

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.29 $2.29

$1.46 $1.46

$2.92 $2.92

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$3.09 $3.09

$1.85 $1.85

$3.89 $3.89

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$7.55 $7.55

$6.72 $6.72

$8.77 $8.77

Wine (Bottle)

$16.15 $16.15

$10.10 $10.10

$35.36 $35.36

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$1.69 $1.69

$1.38 $1.38

$1.69 $1.69

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$4.85 $4.85

$1.48 $1.48

$7.89 $7.89

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$2.03 $2.03

$1.27 $1.27

$2.03 $2.03

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$79.1 $79.1

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$4.02 $4.02

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.59 $1.59

$1.91 $1.91

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$28.90 $28.90

$26.14 $26.14

$34.65 $34.65

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.79 $0.79

$0.71 $0.71

$0.85 $0.85

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$28.1K $28.1K

$22.1K $22.1K

$34.0K $34.0K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$25.0K $25.0K

$24.6K $24.6K

$25.8K $25.8K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$180 $180

$92.8 $92.8

$294 $294

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$53.9 $53.9

$15.06 $15.06

$75.3 $75.3

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$71.2 $71.2

$55.4 $55.4

$89.7 $89.7

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$61.1 $61.1

$20.91 $20.91

$139 $139

Cinema Ticket

$12.07 $12.07

$8.05 $8.05

$15.08 $15.08

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,437 $1,437

$1,388 $1,388

$1,487 $1,487

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.9K $23.9K

$17.1K $17.1K

$27.8K $27.8K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$55.8 $55.8

$45.63 $45.63

$101 $101

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$49.12 $49.12

$22.28 $22.28

$76.0 $76.0

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$104 $104

$75.5 $75.5

$111 $111

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$112 $112

$73.9 $73.9

$148 $148

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,379 $1,379

$999 $999

$2,099 $2,099

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,174 $1,174

$987 $987

$3,453 $3,453

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,419 $2,419

$1,922 $1,922

$2,782 $2,782

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,884 $1,884

$1,578 $1,578

$5,820 $5,820

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,871 $2,871

$2,767 $2,767

$3,052 $3,052

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,813 $2,813

$2,710 $2,710

$3,037 $3,037

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$3,930 $3,930

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.45

6.19

6.7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: February 28, 2026

Wilmington, NC Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC - Frequently Asked Questions

Wilmington blends coastal charm with practical costs that are friendlier than many big cities. You will find a mix of housing options, from historic row houses near the riverfront to newer apartments in quieter neighborhoods, which tends to be more affordable than major metro areas while still offering solid amenities. Daily groceries, casual dining, and local services provide good value, especially if you shop at farmers markets and use seasonal discounts. The city's size supports easy commuting and shorter travel times, helping overall budgeting for transport. For remote work or short projects, a growing set of coworking spaces and cafes can boost productivity without breaking the bank. Cost of Living in Wilmington, NC, United States. Tip: Map out a base neighborhood with easy access to water, groceries, and transit.

Daily life in Wilmington centers on a walkable downtown, riverfront parks, and easy access to beaches a short drive away. For housing, look for energy-efficient apartments in midtown or river-adjacent blocks; consider leases that include utilities to simplify budgeting. Food options range from casual seafood spots to farmers markets and international groceries; cooking at home stretches dollars. Transport is flexible: many ride a bike-friendly area, a reasonable bus network, and occasional rideshares. Errands are workable in compact neighborhoods where groceries, coffees, and services cluster. Wilmington, NC, United States living cost can shift with seasonality and location, so choose a base that minimizes long trips. Tip: Start with a 2- to 3-week scouting plan before committing.

Quality of life in Wilmington shines when you balance time by the water with practical planning. Build a simple budgeting framework: separate fixed costs (rent, utilities) from flexible ones (eating out, entertainment), then track weekly. Save by cooking at home, choosing shared workspaces, and using public transit or bikes for short trips. Seasonality affects crowds and beach access, with milder shoulder seasons offering quieter neighborhoods and lower strain on housing. To find the right vibe, sample riverfront, historic districts, and suburban pockets during different times of day, noting noise, commute, and access to groceries. Tip: create a short list of target neighborhoods and visit during a weekend to feel the pace.