Travel Budget for Wilmington Visit Wilmington on a Budget or Travel in Style

Wilmington, North Carolina, United States of America

Wilmington is a historic city known for its laid back beaches, historical waterfront area, and university setting. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation.

How much does it cost to travel to Wilmington?

You should plan to spend around $245 per day on your vacation in Wilmington. This is the average daily price based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $97 on meals
  • $47 on local transportation
  • $240 on hotels

A one week trip to Wilmington for two people costs, on average, $3,430. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $245
  • One Week Per person
    $1,715
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $3,430
  • One Month Per person
    $7,350
  • One Week For a couple
    $3,430
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $6,860
  • One Month For a couple
    $14,700
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Wilmington cost?

A one week trip to Wilmington usually costs around $1,715 for one person and $3,430 for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Wilmington on average costs around $3,430 for one person and $6,860 for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Wilmington will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Wilmington on average costs around $7,350 for one person and $14,700 for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Wilmington expensive to visit?

Wilmington is a smaller spot that entices a mix of tourists, showcasing various travel styles, financial habits, and budget considerations. Visitors can find a range of options for accommodation from high-end luxury hotels to mid-range places to budget-friendly hostels.

You can find Wilmington to be very expensive if you're not careful, but methods like eating at less expensive restaurants and spending long days at the beach can help you save money.

On average, budget travelers spend $107 per day, mid-range travelers spend $245 per day, and luxury travelers spend around $469 per day. These costs are calculated from the expenses of previous travelers to Wilmington.

Within North America, which is known to be an expensive region, Wilmington is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Providence or Santa Monica.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Wilmington Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Wilmington?

The average Wilmington trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Wilmington travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Wilmington cost?

Wilmington on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation 1
For 1 person in double occupancy
$53 $120 $229
Local Transportation 1 $20 $47 $93
Food 2 $43 $97 $185
Entertainment 1 $7.50 $17 $33
Alcohol 2 $8-25 $19-58 $37-111

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

Having realistic expectations for your budget when visiting Wilmington is important. While it's tempting to aim for a shoestring budget, most travelers don't find that style of travel to be enjoyable. Think about your priorities and how you've traveled in the past. Do you prefer staying in budget accommodations or enjoying more luxurious options? Do you like to explore attractions and dine out at local restaurants? These choices will influence your travel costs and itinerary.

Who are Budget Travelers?

You might consider yourself a budget traveler, but if you're not ready to give up some comforts, prepare to spend a lot more than the $107 per day that younger budget travelers manage.

Backpackers will usually stick to this shoestring budget by staying in hostel dorms, dining at the cheapest spots such as fast food places, using public transit, and mostly visiting free attractions.

Could You Be an Average Traveler?

If you're a couple or family taking a fun trip, you'll probably prefer a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at favorite restaurants, and visit the main museums and attractions that require entry fees. A trip to Wilmington wouldn't be complete without visiting its major attractions, museums, sights, and landmarks. Most activities have costs involved. Thus, it's realistic to expect your daily budget to be closer to $245 per person, per day.

Want to Experience a Luxurious Trip?

If you're looking for a high-end escape with every amenity and high-quality service, be prepared for daily expenses around $469. Staying in upscale hotels, enjoying meals at award-winning restaurants, indulging in lavish excursions, and utilizing taxis or private drivers in the city will entail a more premium price tag. Many high-end visitors also prefer unique experiences such as Private Kayak Tour in Oak Island - offered by Viator.

Accommodation Budget in Wilmington

In Wilmington, the price of hotels can really surprise you. Some are much more expensive, offering higher luxury and amenities. Peak season rates soar, with off-season averages around $155 and peak summer or spring season rising to an average of $289. Prices typically range from $112 to $396, but hostels remain cheaper, especially in dorms. To save money, book during the low season or take advantage of special promotions and advance deals.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Wilmington for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $240. For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $120 per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $120
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $240

Hotels in Wilmington

Looking for a hotel in Wilmington? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.



Actual Hotel Prices in Wilmington

The average hotel room price in Wilmington based on data provided by Kayak for actual hotel rooms is $155 in the low season and $289 in the peak season. Below are the average prices for each budget category. (Prices in U.S. Dollars, before taxes & fees.)

The most affordable highest rated hotels in Wilmington include:

  • Port City Guest House starting at $225
  • Angie's B&B starting at $226
  • Homewood Suites by Hilton Wilmington Mayfaire NC starting at $156
  • SpringHill Suites by Marriott Wilmington Mayfaire starting at $192
  • Hampton Inn Wilmington University Area starting at $158
Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Wilmington

If you're traveling to Wilmington with kids, you'll want to choose an apartment or accommodation with more space to enjoy.

Spending a week in Wilmington? You may want to consider a vacation rental with a kitchen, especially for longer stays, so you can cook some of your own meals.

By traveling in the off-peak times like the low or shoulder season, and steering clear of summer or spring, you'll find cheaper lodging and smaller crowds.

The city's famous old town is a significant draw for tourists. Hotels in this area may be more expensive, but they often offer a lot of charm and easy access to all the main attractions.


Recommended Properties


Transportation Budget in Wilmington

The public transit system in Wilmington is not very good. There are public buses around town, but for practical reasons, you'll want to have your own vehicle.

Certain areas of Wilmington are fairly walkable, which helps you see more attractions. The Historic District is best explored on foot. You can also get around Wrightsville Beach on foot, but traveling between these places requires a car.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (moderate)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (good)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $47 per person, per day, on local transportation in Wilmington. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Wilmington is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $47

Transportation Tips

If you're driving, check that your hotel has parking available.



Flights to Wilmington
How much does it cost to go to Wilmington? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Wilmington
The price of renting a car in Wilmington will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Wilmington

The food in Wilmington is decent, though people don't specifically come here for the food. However, there are a few hidden gems in the city worth checking out. Head to the waterfront for local seafood restaurants that offer outdoor seating and fresh caught fish. There are also farm-to-table restaurants and local diners with casual food.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Wilmington can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Wilmington is $97 per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $97

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Wilmington is around $97 ($97) per person, with previous travelers spending from $43 to $185. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Wilmington are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $10 to $29
  • Lunch: $15 to $39
  • Dinner: $29 to $68
  • Coffee: $8
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $15

Wilmington has no shortage of restaurants. There are several great seafood restaurants in the downtown area, many with views of the river. There are also some good seafood restaurants around Wrightsville Beach. If you're looking for budget options, the university area has plenty of casual places to grab a quick bite. You can also grab ingredients at either Lowes Foods, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, or Walmart and prepare your own meal. It can be fun to pack a picnic lunch and take it to the beach. There are several international options available around town as well including Japanese, Mexican, and Italian.

Food & Dining Tips

When eating out with children, look for places that provide a kids' menu. This can help you save a significant amount since those meals are typically priced lower. Be aware that some restaurants may not list the kids' options, so it's wise to inquire with your waiter beforehand.

Numerous hotels offer breakfast as part of the room rate, but some might charge extra for it. The cost and quality can differ from one hotel to another. Being aware of this beforehand can help you determine if you need to allocate additional funds. It could be worth it for a fantastic buffet at the hotel, or you might want to opt for a nearby bakery or cafe that's more budget-friendly.

Carry a water bottle with you instead of buying drinks everywhere. It's also good for the environment.

If you're thinking about taking a tour, it's wise to check in advance which meals are covered. You may need to cover some of your own food costs, which could increase your overall budget.



Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Wilmington

It's clear why Wilmington attracts visitors, considering its beaches, family-friendly activities, romance, and museums and attractions.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Wilmington typically cost an average of $17 per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $17

Many people use Wilmington as a base for exploring the nearby beaches. Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, and Kure Beach are all nearby. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months but they can be quite pleasant during the fall and spring.

Other attractions around town include several unique museums and historic sights such as Cape Fear Museum, Bellamy Mansion, and Burgwin-Wright House. A highlight of a trip to Wilmington is a visit to the USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial. The ship is open daily. It's moored in the river across from downtown Wilmington and has exhibits that highlight the history and stories of the ship.

Fort Fisher Aquarium is also worth a visit. It's a nice local aquarium that has both aquariums with fish and sea life as well as a large terrarium with reptiles including snakes and an albino alligator.

Other attractions in the area include Poplar Grove Plantation, Cape Fear Serpentarium, and Burchetta Glassblowing Studio & Gallery.



Many people spend at least some time on the beach while they're in Wilmington. The beaches can get crowded during the summer months and parking can be limited. Even so, it's worth relaxing for a few hours in the sun or taking a dip in the water.

Other activities in the area include kayaking, taking a ghost tour, or visiting a water park. Jungle Rapids offers a water park, arcade, and mini golf. It can be a fun destination for kids of all ages.

Airlie Gardens is a 67 acre garden that has southern charm, freshwater lakes, and a variety of plants. It's worth a visit and a nice place to explore.

Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Many people visit Wilmington seeking a peaceful beach getaway. Nearby you'll find Wrightsville Beach, Kure Beach, and Carolina Beach. They have long stretches of sand and great waves. The water is usually warm enough for swimming between the months of April and October. During these peak months parking can be challenging, but during the quieter times, you shouldn't have trouble.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Wilmington. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • E-Bike Adventure to Wilmington's Historic sites & Breweries (4hr) for $85 details
  • 5-Hour Wilmington Guided River to Sea E-Bike Adventure Tour for $85 details
  • Wilmington Coup and Massacre Historic Tour for $18 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Wilmington

Wilmington does have some nightlife activities, but it doesn't compare to the excitement found in more popular destinations. Live music is popular around town. There are also bars, lounges and dance clubs. When the weather is warm, many places make use of the outdoor setting, which makes for a relaxed and fun evening.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $39 on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Wilmington per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $39
Nightlife Tips

Sure, nightlife is part of the adventure, but cutting down on cocktails can make a surprising difference in your travel budget.

Always be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you're drinking at night. You could become a target for pickpockets or other crimes, so stick with trusted friends and avoid wandering alone.

Tasting tours and nightlife activities are very popular in Wilmington. A few of the favorites from previous visitors include:

  • Brooklyn Social District history and pub crawl for $30 details

Recommended


Travel cost data last updated: Dec 20, 2024

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Wilmington

  • Expect higher prices and larger crowds during the peak season of summer or spring. To keep your budget in check and avoid the hustle and bustle, try going during the shoulder or low seasons instead.
  • Traveling at a more relaxed pace can save you money while you take in the stunning beauty around you. When you fill each day with activities, your expenses can soar. But by slowing down and enjoying the journey, you usually spend less.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Wilmington has limited options for public transportation. You might want to rent a car or have a prearranged form of transportation available, such as a tour. This may cut into your budget elsewhere.
  • You won't find many hostels in Wilmington, so if you're planning on saving money with a cheap dorm, it might be time to reconsider. A budget hotel or an apartment rental could be a better option.
Traveling in Wilmington
Wilmington Wilmington, NC

Wilmington is a port city in southeastern North Carolina. It's a great city to visit for it's nearby beaches, large historic district, and quaint atmosphere. The city has a population of about 115,000 and it's the eighth largest city in the state.

Wilmington is also home to the University of North Carolina at Wilmington as well as the EUE Screen Gems Studios. This is the largest domestic television and movie production facility outside of California. The studio, which opened in 1984, helped grow Wilmington into a major base for film and television production. The city has been the backdrop for many movies and tv shows including Iron Man 3, Sleepy Hollow, One Tree Hill, and Revolution.



Neighborhoods & Around

Wilmington has a nice and impressive historic area. There are restaurants that line the river front and several nice shops a few blocks in. You can easily pass a few hours wandering around the town.

There are also three good beaches in the area. Wrightsville Beach has two piers, one with a restaurant and the other open to the public. Carolina Beach has a board walk that has an arcade, several restaurants, an ice cream shop, and a pier. Kure Beach is a slightly less crowded alternative to both Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.