Wilmington assisted living communities range from smaller residential care homes to large senior living campuses offering multiple levels of care. The Wilmington area costs a median of $7,218/month according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey, placing it well above the North Carolina statewide median of $6,496/month and the national median of $6,200/month.
Pricing, services, and amenities vary depending on location, community size, and level of care required. Communities in the Leland, Porters Neck, and Hampstead areas reflect a range of options across the greater Wilmington market.
For families comparing options across the state, see our full breakdown of assisted living costs in North Carolina for a detailed statewide analysis including regional pricing differences and long-term planning considerations.
This guide covers costs, top communities, and what families should consider when comparing assisted living options in the Wilmington area.
Wilmington NC Assisted Living Costs (2026)
Assisted living in the Wilmington area costs a median of $7,218/month (about $86,616 annually), according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. This reflects the Wilmington Metropolitan Statistical Area median based on data collected July through November 2025 and sits well above both the North Carolina statewide median of $6,496/month and the national median of $6,200/month.
| Period | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 Year | $86,616 |
| 3 Years | $259,848 |
| 5 Years | $433,080 |
These projections do not account for annual rate increases, which typically range between 3% and 7%.
For a deeper breakdown of regional pricing trends, cost drivers, and financial planning strategies, visit our full guide to assisted living costs in North Carolina.
For a broader perspective on pricing across the country, see our guide to the national average cost of assisted living, which outlines typical monthly costs, regional differences, and long-term financial considerations.
How Wilmington NC Compares to Nearby Areas
Wilmington is the primary senior living market on the North Carolina coast, with pricing and availability varying across nearby communities.
Families may also consider assisted living options in nearby areas:
- Leland — fast-growing suburb southwest of Wilmington with newer senior living developments and generally more moderate pricing relative to central Wilmington markets.
- Porters Neck — established residential corridor north of Wilmington with well-regarded senior living options and convenient access to Novant Health and area healthcare providers.
- Hampstead — quieter coastal community north of Wilmington offering a smaller market with limited but well-regarded assisted living options for families seeking a more residential setting.
- Southport — smaller coastal market south of Wilmington with a strong retiree demographic and a limited but growing senior living inventory.
Exploring multiple communities can help families find the right balance of cost, care, and coastal lifestyle.
Families looking for top-rated providers across the state may also want to review our guide to the best assisted living communities in North Carolina, which highlights high-performing communities based on care quality, amenities, and reputation across multiple cities.
Top Wilmington NC Assisted Living Communities
The communities below represent a selection of well-regarded assisted living providers located throughout the Wilmington area.
Brightmore of Wilmington
📍 Location: Wilmington, NC
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $6,800 – $8,600
Highlights
- Assisted living, memory care, and independent living
- Continuing care retirement community (CCRC)
- Resort-style amenities and dining
- Comprehensive wellness and lifestyle programming
Why Families Choose This Community
Brightmore of Wilmington offers a full continuum of senior living services in one campus setting. Families often appreciate the community’s extensive amenities, multiple levels of care, and ability to support residents as needs change over time.
Porters Neck Village
📍 Location: Wilmington, NC
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $6,700 – $8,400
Highlights
- Independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing
- Life Plan Community (CCRC)
- Extensive amenities and wellness offerings
- Established campus in the Porters Neck area
Why Families Choose This Community
Porters Neck Village is one of the Wilmington area’s premier continuing care retirement communities. Families often appreciate the comprehensive healthcare continuum, strong reputation, and long-term security of having multiple care options available on one campus.
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall
📍 Location: Wilmington, NC
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,200 – $9,100
Highlights
- Assisted living and memory care
- Upscale community design
- Wellness-focused lifestyle programming
- Located in the Autumn Hall neighborhood
Why Families Choose This Community
Carolina Bay at Autumn Hall offers a modern senior living experience in one of Wilmington’s most desirable neighborhoods. Families often appreciate the upscale environment, personalized care services, and convenient access to healthcare, shopping, and dining throughout the city.
Coastal Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care
📍 Location: Wilmington, NC
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $6,600 – $8,200
Highlights
- Assisted living and memory care
- Modern community environment
- Wellness and social engagement programs
- Personalized care plans
Why Families Choose This Community
Coastal Pointe Assisted Living and Memory Care provides supportive services for seniors who need assistance with daily living activities. Families often appreciate the attentive staff, welcoming atmosphere, and balance of care services and resident-focused programming.
Spring Arbor of Wilmington
📍 Location: Wilmington, NC
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $6,500 – $8,100
Highlights
- Assisted living and memory care
- Established senior living provider
- Wellness and enrichment activities
- Personalized support services
Why Families Choose This Community
Spring Arbor of Wilmington offers assisted living and memory care services in a comfortable residential setting. Families often appreciate the community’s experienced staff, engaging activity calendar, and personalized approach to resident care.
Cambridge Village of Wilmington
📍 Location: Wilmington, NC
💲 Estimated Monthly Cost: $7,000 – $8,800
Highlights
- Assisted living and memory care
- Residential community setting
- Wellness and social programming
- Personalized daily support
Why Families Choose This Community
Cambridge Village of Wilmington provides assisted living and memory care services for seniors seeking supportive care in the Wilmington area. Families often appreciate the community’s welcoming atmosphere, individualized care plans, and convenient location near healthcare providers and local amenities.
Editorial Disclaimer
Communities listed in this guide were selected based on publicly available information and are presented for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute a formal endorsement. Families should visit communities in person, review licensing information, and speak directly with staff when evaluating assisted living options.
How to Choose a Wilmington Assisted Living Community
Selecting an assisted living community requires evaluating several important factors.
Care Needs Different communities offer different levels of care. Families should ensure the facility can support both current and future care requirements.
Cost Structure Some communities offer all-inclusive pricing while others charge additional fees for care services.
Location Proximity to family members, hospitals, and familiar neighborhoods can significantly impact quality of life.
Contract Terms Families should carefully review contracts, fee structures, and policies related to care level changes.
Visit Communities in Person Whenever possible, families should tour communities and observe staff interactions, cleanliness and safety practices, dining services, activity programming, and overall resident engagement.
Nearby Cities to Consider
Families searching for assisted living near Wilmington may also want to explore communities in nearby areas:
- Leland — fast-growing suburb with newer senior living options and more moderate pricing relative to central Wilmington, popular with families seeking newer construction at accessible rates.
- Hampstead — quieter coastal community north of Wilmington with a smaller but well-regarded assisted living market and strong appeal for families prioritizing a residential coastal setting.
- Southport — smaller coastal market south of Wilmington with a growing retiree population and a limited but developing senior living inventory along the Brunswick County coast.
- Jacksonville — larger market to the north with a strong military retiree demographic and a broader range of assisted living options at generally more moderate pricing.
Comparing nearby communities can help identify differences in pricing, availability, and community types across the greater Cape Fear coastal region.
Families comparing options beyond the Wilmington area should also review our guide to the best assisted living communities in North Carolina, which highlights top-rated providers across multiple cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of assisted living in Wilmington NC?
Assisted living in the Wilmington area costs a median of $7,218 per month, or about $86,616 annually, according to the CareScout 2025 Cost of Care Survey. This places Wilmington well above the North Carolina statewide median of $6,496/month and the national median of $6,200/month.
How many assisted living communities are in Wilmington NC?
The Wilmington metropolitan area has numerous assisted living communities offering different levels of support, including standard assisted living and memory care. Options range from smaller residential care homes to larger CCRC campuses across Wilmington, Leland, Porters Neck, and Hampstead.
How do I compare assisted living communities in Wilmington NC?
Families should evaluate communities based on care services offered, resident and family reviews, staffing levels and ratios, amenities, pricing transparency, and proximity to hospitals and family members. Visiting communities in person and requesting a written breakdown of all fees is strongly recommended before making a final decision.
Are assisted living costs in Wilmington negotiable NC?
Some communities may offer move-in incentives, reduced community fees, or promotional pricing depending on occupancy levels and availability. Families should ask directly about current promotions and confirm all fee structures in writing before signing any agreements.
Why is Wilmington NC more expensive than Charlotte for assisted living?
Wilmington’s assisted living median of $7,218 per month exceeds Charlotte’s median of $6,255/month by nearly $1,000 per month. Wilmington’s higher costs reflect strong coastal retiree in-migration, premium real estate values in beach-adjacent communities, and a smaller senior housing supply relative to growing demand. The coastal lifestyle and proximity to New Hanover Regional Medical Center support sustained pricing above the statewide median.
Does Medicaid cover assisted living in Wilmington NC?
North Carolina Medicaid may provide limited assistance through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver programs administered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services. Coverage is service-based and does not typically include full room and board costs. Eligibility depends on income, assets, and demonstrated care needs. Families should confirm current program details directly with NC DHHS or consult a qualified elder law advisor.
Last reviewed: June 2026.