Houses for Rent in Wilmington, NC

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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 2026, Wilmington's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Wilmington's average rent is 17.1% ($254) higher than the North Carolina average of $1,485 and 3.2% ($58) lower than the U.S. average of $1,797.

Average Rent
$1,739
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
Increased3% ($51)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
Decreased2.7% ($48)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
33
Unit Type Average Rent Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed $1,180 Decreased2.6% ($31) Decreased1% ($12)
2 Beds $1,535 Increased0.2% ($3) Decreased0.9% ($14)
3 Beds $1,951 Increased0.1% ($1) Decreased5.7% ($119)
Nearby Cities Average Rent Avg. Rent vs. WilmingtonAverage Rent vs. Wilmington Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
Castle Hayne $1,729 Decreased0.6% ($10) 33 days
Leland $1,941 Increased11.6% ($202) 29 days
Southport $2,366 Increased36.1% ($627) 34 days
Hampstead $1,635 Decreased6% ($104) 38 days
Bolivia $1,529 Decreased12.1% ($210) 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 $1,739 per month.
Houses in Wilmington typically rent for between $826 and $2,536 per month, with an average of $1,739 per month.
In Wilmington, the average rent for a 1-bedroom house is $1,180 per month, for a 2-bedroom house, $1,535 per month, and a 3-bedroom house is $1,951 per month.
The average rent in Wilmington is 3.2% ($58) lower than the national average of $1,797 per month.
The average rent in Wilmington has increased by 3.0% ($51) in the last month and decreased by 2.7% ($48) 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 246 rental properties available in Wilmington, NC.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $61,400 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom house in Wilmington.
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