Holly Springs, NC vs Wilmington, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wilmington is 28.2% cheaper than Holly Springs. With a cost index of 102 vs 131, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wilmington to Holly Springs should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Holly Springs is $1,858/month compared to $1,311/month in Wilmington — a 42% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilmington is more affordable at $350,300 median vs $485,500.

Median household income in Holly Springs is $132,435 compared to $63,900 in Wilmington (+107.3%). While Holly Springs is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Holly Springs spend roughly 16.8% of their income on rent, less than the 24.6% in Wilmington.