Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Wilmington are First Hills, Mercer Place West, and Bellingham Park Condominiums. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Wilmington, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of July 29, 2025, the average rent in Wilmington is $1,351, which is 1.1% 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.

First Hills

Average Rent

$1,248/Month

TransitScore® Rating

25/100

Units Available

21 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, First Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,248, while the city’s average stands at $1,351. First Hills is near UNC Wilmington, Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, and Midtown Park.

Mercer Place West

Average Rent

$1,248/Month

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

21 Rentals

Mercer Place West is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Mercer Place West is $1,248 while the city average is $1,351. Residents enjoy convenient access to Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, UNC Wilmington, and New Hanover County Arboretum. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 39.

Bellingham Park Condominiums

Average Rent

$1,359/Month

TransitScore® Rating

25/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Bellingham Park Condominiums. The average rent is $1,359, compared to the city average of $1,351. Bellingham Park Condominiums is convenient to Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, Airlie Gardens, and Cornerstone Center. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 39.

Marsh Oaks

Average Rent

$1,370/Month

Units Available

12 Rentals

Marsh Oaks is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,370. Compare this to the city average of $1,351. Marsh Oaks provides easy access to New Hanover County Arboretum, South Oak Center, and Airlie Gardens.

Marymount Townhomes at Marsh Oaks

Average Rent

$1,370/Month

Units Available

12 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Marymount Townhomes at Marsh Oaks might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,370, while the city’s average stands at $1,351. Marymount Townhomes at Marsh Oaks is near Porters Neck South Plaza, UNC Wilmington, and Marsh Oaks Village.

Echo East

Average Rent

$1,391/Month

TransitScore® Rating

17/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

Echo East is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Echo East is $1,391 while the city average is $1,351. Residents enjoy convenient access to New Hanover County Arboretum, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, and The Crossroads At Independence. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 6.

Ashley Park at Georgetown

Average Rent

$1,391/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Ashley Park at Georgetown. The average rent is $1,391, compared to the city average of $1,351. Ashley Park at Georgetown is convenient to Franklin Square, UNC Wilmington, and Fultan Station. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 7.

Saint Andrews Reserve

Average Rent

$1,391/Month

TransitScore® Rating

17/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

Saint Andrews Reserve is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,391. Compare this to the city average of $1,351. Saint Andrews Reserve provides easy access to Cape Fear C.C., Downtown, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, and UNC Wilmington. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 5.

College Acres

Average Rent

$1,394/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

7.1%

TransitScore® Rating

23/100

Units Available

110 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

$1,406/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.2%

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

39 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Northchase might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,406, while the city’s average stands at $1,351. In the last year, prices have decreased by 3.2%. Northchase is near Acorn Landing, Airlie Gardens, and Children's Museum of Wilmington.

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.