Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Wilmington are College Acres, Northchase, and Bayshore. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Wilmington, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of April 29, 2026, the average rent in Wilmington is $1,360, which is 0.1% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.
College Acres
Average Rent
$1,396/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
4.9%
Units Available
65 Rentals
College Acres is a serene neighborhood nestled close to the University of North Carolina Wilmington, making it a top pick for students and faculty. This area offers a convenient mix of homes and apartments, with shopping centers, parks, and Wrightsville Beach just a short distance away, providing easy access to both campus and local amenities.
Northchase
Average Rent
$1,415/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1%
Units Available
51 Rentals
Northchase is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Northchase is $1,415 while the city average is $1,360. This is a 1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Acorn Landing, Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science.
Bayshore
Average Rent
$1,443/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.3%
Units Available
44 Rentals
Bayshore offers picturesque waterfront views of the Intracoastal Waterway. It’s a peaceful, suburban escape with easy access to marinas and parks, ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy boating and fishing yet still want to stay close to urban conveniences.
Kirkland
Average Rent
$1,480/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
5.1%
Units Available
27 Rentals
Kirkland is a growing residential area offering a mix of newer developments and established homes. It’s close to shopping, dining, and Wrightsville Beach, making it an excellent spot for those who desire a suburban lifestyle with easy access to coastal and city amenities.
Murraysville
Average Rent
$1,490/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
1.4%
Units Available
53 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Murraysville. The average rent is $1,490, compared to the city average of $1,360. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Murraysville is convenient to Holiday Village, Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, and Cape Fear Museum of History & Science.
River Pointe-Masonboro Commons
Average Rent
$1,521/Month
Units Available
20 Rentals
River Pointe-Masonboro Commons is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,521. Compare this to the city average of $1,360. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0%. River Pointe-Masonboro Commons provides easy access to Wilmington International, UNC Wilmington, and Masonboro Landing.
Cape Fear Country Club
Average Rent
$1,533/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.3%
Units Available
92 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Cape Fear Country Club might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,533, while the city’s average stands at $1,360. In the last year, prices have increased by 0.3%. Cape Fear Country Club is near Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, and Independence Mall.
Carolina Heights
Average Rent
$1,555/Month
Units Available
14 Rentals
Carolina Heights boasts a rich history, with charming homes and streets lined with trees. It's perfectly situated for those wanting to be near downtown Wilmington and cultural spots like Thalian Hall and the Riverwalk. The neighborhood's calm and residential vibe makes it a sought-after living area.
Pine Valley West
Average Rent
$1,580/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.2%
Units Available
44 Rentals
Pine Valley West is an appealing neighborhood offering a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Renters will enjoy the proximity to parks, schools, and shopping centers, as well as the quiet, residential atmosphere. The area is ideal for those seeking a suburban lifestyle with modern amenities.
Lincoln Forest
Average Rent
$1,617/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
7.3%
Units Available
38 Rentals
Lincoln Forest is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Lincoln Forest is $1,617 while the city average is $1,360. This is a 7.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Airlie Gardens, and New Hanover County Arboretum.
Ready to make your move to Wilmington? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!
Methodology
Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.
We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.