Renter Resources
What Renters Must Photograph Before Moving In
Your landlord just gave you the keys. You're excited to move in, but one thing that could cost you hundreds later is not documenting what's already broken.
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What to Know About
Living in Wilmington, NC
Wilmington is known for its historic downtown area, which features many 19th-century buildings and homes, as well as its beautiful beaches and waterways. The city is home to several major universities, including the University of North Carolina at Wilmington and Cape Fear Community College. In addition, take in the city's cultural landmarks, such as the Bellamy Mansion Museum, Wilmington Railroad Museum, the Cape Fear Museum of History and Science, and the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial, which pays tribute to the World War II battleship.
Get closer to nature by exploring the beauty of Wilmington's parks and waterways, such as the Wilmington Riverwalk, Airlie Gardens, the Carolina Beach State Park, and Wrightsville Beach, thus relishing yourself with surfing, paddleboarding, and kayaking. In addition, Wilmington is home to stunning beach vistas, a thriving craft beer scene, and lively life, hosting the Cucalorus Film Festival, the fantastic Carolina Beach Music Festival, and the Riverfest festival.
Wilmington is a great place to live where you can enjoy a picturesque waterfront, stroll through a charming downtown filled with film history, discover coastal treasures, and indulge in fresh seafood, all while surrounded by friendly locals who value a strong sense of community.
Rental Market Trends
Wilmington, NC
As of June 2025, Wilmington's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Wilmington's average rent is 14.0% ($220) higher than the North Carolina average of $1,567 and 0.2% ($3) higher than the U.S. average of $1,784.
Average Rent
$1,787
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
1.1% ($19)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
3.1% ($54)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
33
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $1,192 | 0.6% ($7) | 4.3% ($54) |
| 2 Beds | $1,549 | 2.3% ($36) | 1.5% ($23) |
| 3 Beds | $2,070 | 0.4% ($8) | 3.6% ($72) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. WilmingtonAverage Rent vs. Wilmington | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leland | $1,849 | 3.5% ($62) | 29 days |
| Carolina Beach | $2,467 | 38.1% ($680) | 34 days |
| Southport | $1,059 | 40.7% ($728) | 34 days |
| Hampstead | $1,827 | 2.2% ($40) | 38 days |
| Bolivia | $1,572 | 12% ($215) | 32 days |
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wilmington Rental Market FAQs
Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Wilmington, NC.
The average rent in Wilmington, NC is $1,787 per month.
Homes in Wilmington typically rent for between $834 and $2,691 per month, with an average of $1,787 per month.
In Wilmington, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $1,192 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $1,549 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $2,070 per month.
The average rent in Wilmington is 0.2% ($3) higher than the national average of $1,784 per month.
The average rent in Wilmington has increased by 1.1% ($19) in the last month and increased by 3.1% ($54) over the past year.
The rental market in Wilmington, NC, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In Wilmington, NC, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 33 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There are currently 360 rental properties available in Wilmington, NC.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $61,960 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in Wilmington.
