Charleston, SC vs Wilmington, NC: Cost of Living Comparison
Wilmington has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Charleston | Wilmington | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 122 | 98 | Wilmington |
| Housing | 135 ($1,142) | 101 ($918) | Wilmington |
| Transportation | 100 ($3.50) | 102 ($3.50) | Charleston |
| Food & groceries | 121 ($496) | 86 ($353) | Wilmington |
| Utilities | 118 ($243) | 101 ($182) | Wilmington |
| Healthcare | 118 ($176) | 101 ($131) | Wilmington |
| Median annual wage | 96 ($46,490) | 99 ($47,970) | Charleston |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Charleston, SC or Wilmington, NC cheaper to live in?
Wilmington, NC is cheaper overall by about 24 index points (Charleston, SC: 122, Wilmington, NC: 98; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Charleston, SC vs Wilmington, NC?
A single adult needs roughly $42,700/year in Charleston, SC and $34,300/year in Wilmington, NC to cover basic living costs.