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Wilmington, NC

Cost of living in New Hanover County, NC

Part of the Wilmington Metro Area

Estimated monthly cost
$3,468/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 231,214 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $1,427 41%
Federal tax $516 15%
Healthcare $480 14%
Groceries $327 9%
Transport $320 9%
Energy $187 5%
State tax $156 4%
Water $55 2%

Rent in New Hanover County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$1,083
per month
1 bedroom
$1,427
per month
2 bedroom
$1,580
per month
3 bedroom
$2,087
per month
4 bedroom
$2,485
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in New Hanover County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$72,892
per year
Individual earnings
$41,630
per year
Per capita
$46,083
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in New Hanover County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$353,700
Annual property tax
$2,075

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in New Hanover County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$147
per month · 14¢/kWh
Natural gas
$40
per month
Annual total
$2,244
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in New Hanover County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
10.6%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in New Hanover County

State and local tax rates for North Carolina.

State income tax
4.5%
Flat rate
State sales tax
4.8%
Combined sales tax
7.0%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in New Hanover County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
20.5 min
Drive alone
72.4%
Public transit
0.2%
Work from home
17.8%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for New Hanover County

What it costs to live in New Hanover County each month.

Single person
$3,468
per month
  • Rent $1,427
  • Energy $187
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $327
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $516
  • State tax $156
Couple
$4,831
per month
  • Rent $1,580
  • Energy $224
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $542
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $863
  • State tax $273
Family
$7,470
per month
  • Rent $2,087
  • Energy $280
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $822
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $863
  • State tax $273

Frequently asked questions about New Hanover County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in New Hanover County?

In New Hanover County, NC, a one-bedroom apartment averages $1,427 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,580 per month, a three-bedroom averages $2,087 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in New Hanover County?

In New Hanover County, NC, the average household income is $72,892 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,630 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in New Hanover County?

The estimated cost of living in New Hanover County, NC is approximately $3,468 per month for a single person, $4,831 for a couple, $7,470 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in New Hanover County?

The combined sales tax rate in New Hanover County, NC is 7.00%, which includes the North Carolina state rate of 4.75% plus an average local rate of 2.25%.

Is New Hanover County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in New Hanover County, NC would need approximately $3,468 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $72,892 per year ($6,074 per month). New Hanover County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in New Hanover County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in New Hanover County, NC is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 10.6% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in New Hanover County?

The average home value in New Hanover County, NC is $353,700, with average annual property taxes of $2,075, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does New Hanover County compare to other areas?

You can compare New Hanover County, NC with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. New Hanover County is in the Wilmington, NC metro area.

Other counties in North Carolina

Browse the full list of counties in North Carolina, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in North Carolina

Compare New Hanover County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources