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Rent vs Buy in Wilmington, NC

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Wilmington. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$325,000

Median Rent/Month

$1,700

Property Tax Rate

0.84%/yr

Avg Appreciation

3.5%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$325,000
20% ($65,000)
$1,700
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Wilmington, NC?

The decision to rent or buy in Wilmington, North Carolina depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $325,000 and median monthly rent of $1,700, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Wilmington has an average property tax rate of 0.84% annually, which adds approximately $228/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Wilmington have appreciated at roughly 3.5% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Wilmington Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $65,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $1,728/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $228/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $271/mo