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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 July 2025, Wilmington's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Wilmington's average rent is 14.6% ($228) higher than the North Carolina average of $1,562 and 0.8% ($15) higher than the U.S. average of $1,775.
Average Rent
$1,790
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
0.2% ($3)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
5.7% ($96)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
33
| Unit Type | Average Rent | Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change | Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Bed | $1,195 | 0.3% ($3) | 6.6% ($85) |
| 2 Beds | $1,542 | 0.5% ($7) | 1.2% ($19) |
| 3 Beds | $2,064 | 0.3% ($6) | 4.1% ($82) |
| Nearby Cities | Average Rent | Avg. Rent vs. WilmingtonAverage Rent vs. Wilmington | Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leland | $1,915 | 7% ($125) | 29 days |
| Winnabow | $1,701 | 5% ($89) | 34 days |
| Carolina Beach | $2,467 | 37.8% ($677) | 34 days |
| Southport | $1,050 | 41.3% ($740) | 34 days |
| Hampstead | $1,833 | 2.4% ($43) | 38 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 $1,790 per month.
Houses in Wilmington typically rent for between $837 and $2,683 per month, with an average of $1,790 per month.
In Wilmington, the average rent for a 1-bedroom house is $1,195 per month, for a 2-bedroom house, $1,542 per month, and a 3-bedroom house is $2,064 per month.
The average rent in Wilmington is 0.8% ($15) higher than the national average of $1,775 per month.
The average rent in Wilmington has increased by 0.2% ($3) in the last month and increased by 5.7% ($96) 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 329 rental properties available in Wilmington, NC.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $61,680 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom house in Wilmington.
