Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Wilmington, NC
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Wilmington are Lakeview, First Hills, and Mercer Place West. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Wilmington, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of October 27, 2025, the average rent in Wilmington is $1,312, which is 0.3% 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.
Lakeview
Average Rent
$1,058/Month
TransitScore® Rating
30/100
Units Available
26 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Lakeview. The average rent is $1,058, compared to the city average of $1,312. Lakeview is convenient to University Centre, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, and Cape Fear C.C., North Campus. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 61.
First Hills
Average Rent
$1,081/Month
TransitScore® Rating
25/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
First Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,081. Compare this to the city average of $1,312. First Hills provides easy access to Wrightsville Bend, New Hanover County Arboretum, and Wilmington International. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 39.
Mercer Place West
Average Rent
$1,081/Month
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Mercer Place West might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,081, while the city’s average stands at $1,312. Mercer Place West is near Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Midtown Park, and Jones Plaza.
Harbor Sqare
Average Rent
$1,166/Month
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
12 Rentals
Harbor Sqare is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Harbor Sqare is $1,166 while the city average is $1,312. Residents enjoy convenient access to UNC Wilmington, Cape Fear C.C., North Campus, and Children's Museum of Wilmington. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.
Echo East
Average Rent
$1,225/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Wilmington neighborhood on a budget, check out Echo East. The average rent is $1,225, compared to the city average of $1,312. Echo East is convenient to The Crossroads At Independence, Carolina Beach State Park, and The Esplanado. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 6.
Ashley Park at Georgetown
Average Rent
$1,225/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
Ashley Park at Georgetown is an affordable neighborhood in Wilmington with an average rent price of $1,225. Compare this to the city average of $1,312. Ashley Park at Georgetown provides easy access to Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, Franklin Square, and Fultan Station. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 7.
Saint Andrews Reserve
Average Rent
$1,225/Month
TransitScore® Rating
17/100
Units Available
25 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Wilmington, Saint Andrews Reserve might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $1,225, while the city’s average stands at $1,312. Saint Andrews Reserve is near Wilmington International, Fultan Station, and Cape Fear C.C., North Campus.
Kirkland
Average Rent
$1,285/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
8.1%
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
26 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.
College Acres
Average Rent
$1,332/Month
TransitScore® Rating
23/100
Units Available
85 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.
Castle Dock
Average Rent
$1,358/Month
TransitScore® Rating
29/100
Units Available
13 Rentals
Castle Dock is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Castle Dock is $1,358 while the city average is $1,312. Residents enjoy convenient access to Castle Street Plaza, Cape Fear Museum of History & Science, and UNC Wilmington. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 77.
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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.