Is Austin, TX cheaper than Apex, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Austin, TX is 10.7% more expensive than Apex, NC. This translates to spending an extra $803 per month.

What salary do I need in Austin, TX to live like I do in Apex, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Apex, NC, you'd need approximately $159,637.989 in Austin, TX to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Apex, NC and Austin, TX?

Housing in Austin, TX is 35.4% more expensive than in Apex, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,995/month in Austin, TX compared to $1,745/month in Apex, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Apex, NC to Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, TX costs approximately $803 more per month than Apex, NC, or $9638 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Apex, NC vs Austin, TX: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

MoveNumbers

Tap to swap

Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Apex, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Apex, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $803/month more in Austin, TX

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.6K in Austin, TX

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 10.7%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$803

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.6K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Apex, NC

Population:72K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$560K

Austin, TX

Population:979K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$558K

Apex, NC

The Tar Heel State

72K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 72K residents.

Austin, TX

The Lone Star State

979K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Live music capital
•Major tech hub
•SXSW festival city

Major Industries

TechnologyMusic IndustryEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Apex, NC vs Austin, TX

Category	Apex, NC	Austin, TX	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,885/mo	↑ $753more	35.4%
📦Other	$1,638/mo	$1,741/mo	↑ $103more	6.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,232/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $52.46more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$939/mo	$959/mo	↑ $19.80more	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$541/mo	↑ $5.81more	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	↑ $0.01more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 35.4%

Apex, NC

$2,131

Austin, TX

$2,885

Difference

$753

📦Other

↑ 6.3%

Apex, NC

$1,638

Austin, TX

$1,741

Difference

$103

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.3%

Apex, NC

$1,232

Austin, TX

$1,284

Difference

$52.46

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Apex, NC

$939

Austin, TX

$959

Difference

$19.80

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

Apex, NC

$535

Austin, TX

$541

Difference

$5.81

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.0%

Apex, NC

$589

Austin, TX

$589

Difference

$0.01

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,516

To$1,585

↑ $69.00

1 Bed

From$1,590

To$1,685

↑ $95.00

2 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,995

↑ $250

3 Bed

From$2,193

To$2,525

↑ $332

Apex, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,950–$1,950/mo

Austin, TXZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,490–$2,350/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$7,064

Monthly in Apex, NC

$7,998

Monthly in Austin, TX

$935

Difference

Home Values

Apex

Austin

$560K

Median Value

$558K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -5%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +12.6%

$560K

Price Range

$272K - $1.26M

Calculate payment - Apex Calculate payment - Austin

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

Rate difference

Apex, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Austin, TX

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Texas State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Apex, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Austin, TX Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.2%

Property Tax:1.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.