Average Rent in Wilmington, NC↑ Rents rising 4.3% YoY🔺 5th priciest in NC

Wilmington, NC has rental prices ranging from $1,083/month to $2,485/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,427/month, near the national average. With a median household income of $73,687/year, spending $1,427/month on a 1-bedroom represents 23% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Wilmington Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,580/month, Wilmington ranks #5 most expensive of the 87 cities tracked in North Carolina — pricier than 93% of all US cities in our data.

The Wilmington Rental Market

The Wilmington, NC area has a population of about 440,578 and 29% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Wilmington, NC have risen by $65/month (4.3%) over the past year, from $1,515 to $1,580. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Wilmington, NC without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $57,080. The local median household income of $73,687 exceeds that threshold by $16,607, making Wilmington relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Rent vs. Buy

The median home value in Wilmington, NC is $420,638, giving a price-to-rent ratio of 22.2. With a break-even horizon of approximately 22 years, renting is likely the more financially prudent option for most residents unless they plan to stay long-term.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Wilmington's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are North College ($218,520 median home value), Old East Wilmington ($225,379 median home value), North Kerr ($227,073 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Wilmington, NC Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Rent or Buy in Wilmington?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Living in Wilmington

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.