Cost of living in Wilmington
Wilmington, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its historic charm and coastal beauty. Understanding the cost of living here is crucial for anyone considering a move or planning to budget effectively.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the expenses you can expect in Wilmington, covering everything from dining and groceries to housing and transportation.
Cost of Living Summary
Dining and Restaurants
- Inexpensive Restaurant Meal - A meal at a casual restaurant will typically cost $15 on average, with a range between $12 and $20.
- Mid-Range Restaurant (Three-Course Meal for Two) - For a more upscale dining experience, expect to pay around $75, with prices ranging from $50 to $120.
- Fast Food (e.g., McDonald's) - A McMeal or equivalent combo meal averages $9, with a range between $7 and $15.
- Beverages (e.g., Domestic Beer, Imported Beer, Cappuccino, Coke/Pepsi) - Domestic beer ranges from $3 to $6, imported beer $4 to $8, cappuccino $1.5 to $8, and Coke/Pepsi $1.75 to $3.
Grocery Prices
- Milk - Milk is priced between $0.73 and $1.32 per liter, averaging $0.96.
- Bread (Loaf of Fresh White Bread) - A loaf of fresh white bread costs between $1.32 and $7.72, with an average price of $2.43.
- Eggs (Dozen) - A dozen eggs range from $1.99 to $6, averaging $3.35.
- Fruits (e.g., Apples, Oranges) - Apples cost $2.18 to $15.43 per kg, while oranges range from $2.2 to $11.02 per kg.
- Vegetables (e.g., Potatoes, Lettuce) - Potatoes are priced between $1.1 and $6.59 per kg, and lettuce costs $1.5 to $2.99 per head.
Transportation
- Public Transport (One-Way Ticket) - A one-way local transport ticket costs $2.
- Fuel (Gasoline) - Gasoline is priced between $0.73 and $0.95 per liter.
- Taxi Fares - Taxi fares start at $2, with a cost of $1.55 to $1.86 per km and $18 per hour of waiting.
Housing Costs
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1000 to $1500, averaging $1316.67.
- 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1000 to $3500, averaging $1150.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (City Centre) - Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in the city centre ranges from $1900 to $2750, averaging $2391.67.
- 3-Bedroom Apartment Rent (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, rent ranges from $1600 to $5900, averaging $1910.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (City Centre) - The price per square meter to buy an apartment in the city centre ranges from $2680 to $2852.44, averaging $2741.14.
- Buying Price per Square Meter (Outside Centre) - Outside the centre, the price per square meter ranges from $2152.78 to $2680, averaging $2472.04.
Utilities
- Basic Utilities (Electricity, Heating, Water, etc.) - Basic utilities for an 85m2 apartment cost between $93.5 and $296.01, averaging $181.01.
- Internet - Internet services range from $40 to $130, with an average cost of $56.38.
Cost of Living Rankings
The cost of living indices for the United States are compared to New York City (NYC), which serves as the baseline with an index of 100. These provide insights into the relative cost of living in different cities in United States, covering factors like consumer goods, rent, and purchasing power.
Cost of Living Data
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"Key Takeaways"
Wilmington offers a moderate cost of living with affordable dining options and reasonable grocery prices.
Housing costs vary significantly depending on location, with city centre apartments being more expensive.
Transportation is relatively affordable, with low costs for public transport and gasoline.
Utilities and internet services are moderately priced, contributing to a balanced monthly budget.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Wilmington, NC, presents a balanced cost of living, making it an attractive option for those seeking a coastal lifestyle without the high expenses of larger cities.
Potential residents should consider the variability in housing costs and plan their budget accordingly, while also taking advantage of the affordable dining and transportation options available.