Example household · Wilmington, NC · $83,730 · same pay · 1 adult

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Wilmington vs Washington

Wilmington and Washington

Photo: Carol M. Highsmith / Wikimedia, Public domain

Assumed income $83,730, same in both cities. Example, until you change it.

Same pay in both cities. One adult, one bedroom.

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So you know: homicide deaths in Washington are close to the US rate in this release, 6.5 versus 6.5 per 100,000. CDC via County Health Rankings, CDC NVSS 2017–2023 (CHR 2025 release).

Why people look at Wilmington to Washington

In 2022-2023, 61 households filed a move from Wilmington to Washington (about 80 people, average adjusted gross income $92,721). 408 households went the other way. Source: IRS migration.

A one-bedroom asking rent is about $1,358 in Wilmington and $1,916 in Washington. Wilmington has a state tax on wages. Washington has a state tax on wages. Local pay in Washington is 124% of the national level for the same work, against 91% in Wilmington.

Washington averages 203 sunny days, with July highs around 89°F and January nights around 29°F. Wilmington is 220 sunny days, 89°F in July, 39°F in January. Commutes average 34 minutes in Washington and 24 in Wilmington.

These figures are projections built from available public data. Conditions change, and the numbers may not reflect current prices, taxes, or immigration rules. Check official sources before you make decisions.

How we figure this

Who already made this move

In 2022-2023, 61 households moved Wilmington → Washington (about 80 people, average AGI $92,721). 408 households went the other way.

Source: IRS SOI county-to-county migration. Not a moving company; not a recommendation.

The monthly number is take-home pay minus rent and the other bills. The gap between Wilmington and Washington changes with the job, remote or local pay, and bedrooms. How we figure this.

What the move itself costs

About 381 road miles, 1 bedroom. Typical ranges, not quotes.

Full-service mover
$1,950–$3,650
Container or pod
$1,350–$2,500
Rent a truck
$600–$1,100

Movers in Washington and how to hire one →

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Questions

Is Washington cheaper than Wilmington after tax and rent?

No. Washington leaves about $845 less a month, so the cost of living is higher there for this household. A one-bedroom is about $1,358 in Wilmington and $1,916 in Washington.

Does Washington have state income tax?

Washington is in District of Columbia, which taxes wage income.

Did people actually move from Wilmington to Washington?

Yes, when the IRS published that flow. The count and their average income are on this page. Leftover prices the same household in both cities.