A+
7%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
21%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Wilson North Carolina National
Cost of living9396100
Groceries98100100
Health care9999100
Housing7988100
Transportation10099100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment101100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare98100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Wilson, NC

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Wilson? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Wilson stands at 93, making it 7% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Wilson are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Wilson can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Wilson?

Locals have the inside scoop on their city. So, we polled 8 residents in Wilson to learn how they view the cost of living. We asked how they felt about the cost of living in their area, and if they thought that prices were increasing, decreasing or staying the same. The verdict? 50% find it reasonable with decreasing prices, but 50% think it's quite pricey, with prices that continue to rise.

Is Wilson Affordable?

Is Wilson an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Wilson is 21.1% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 20.7% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Wilson has a median household income of $63,882, which is 21.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Wilson?

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Wilson, the transportation index stands at 0.4% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Wilson starts at 4.75% and the income tax rates start at 4.75%.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Wilson, the housing index is 21% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Wilson cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Wilson is 3% lower than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Wilson is 7% lower than the national average
  • Wilson housing is 21% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Wilson

See all the best places to live around Wilson

Compare Wilson, NC Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$94,372$7,864$2,202$2,831
      Renters$38,897$3,241$908$1,167
      The affordability of the housing market in Wilson, NC as well as the overall cost of living can be predicted by what percent of the monthly income is spent on housing related costs. This is konwn as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The overall rule of thumb is that no more than 28% of your gross income should be spent on the overall costs related to housing and no more than 36% of gross income on all expenses and debts. Among Wilson homeowners, the median income is $94,372. This indicates that a monthly maximum of $2,202 should be spent by homeowners on all housing related costs. Renters have a median income of $38,897. This indicates that renters would have a maximum of $908 for their rent related monthly costs.

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Black Creek, NC9568415.5%
      Stantonsburg, NC5528614.5%
      Elm City, NC1,7678614.4%
      Macclesfield, NC3218515.1%
      Fremont, NC1,0178614.2%
      Wilson, NC50,769936.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Cerritos, CA50,76518685.9%
      Murray, UT50,78011717.2%
      Harrisburg, PA50,8108712.6%
      San Jacinto, CA50,68212221.9%
      West Lafayette, IN50,9041032.8%
      Wilson, NC50,769936.9%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.