Is Phoenix, AZ cheaper than Apex, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Phoenix, AZ is 10.9% more expensive than Apex, NC. This translates to spending an extra $819 per month.

What salary do I need in Phoenix, AZ to live like I do in Apex, NC?

If you earn $150,000 in Apex, NC, you'd need approximately $159,831.461 in Phoenix, AZ to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Apex, NC and Phoenix, AZ?

Housing in Phoenix, AZ is 30.8% more expensive than in Apex, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,750/month in Phoenix, AZ compared to $1,745/month in Apex, NC.

How much can I save per month by moving from Apex, NC to Phoenix, AZ?

Living in Phoenix, AZ costs approximately $819 more per month than Apex, NC, or $9831 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Apex, NC vs Phoenix, AZ: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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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 $819/month more in Phoenix, AZ

$150.0K in your current city equals $159.8K in Phoenix, AZ

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

Overall Cost

↑ 10.9%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$819

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$9.8K

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

Phoenix, AZ

Population:1608K

Cost Index:111

Median Home:$414K

Apex, NC

The Tar Heel State

72K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Phoenix, AZ

The Grand Canyon State

1.6M

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Hot desert

Notable Facts

•Fastest growing major city
•Desert metropolis
•Spring training capital

Major Industries

TechnologyHealthcareTourismManufacturing

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Apex, NC vs Phoenix, AZ

Category	Apex, NC	Phoenix, AZ	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,788/mo	↑ $657more	30.8%
🚗Transportation	$1,232/mo	$1,489/mo	↑ $257more	20.9%
📦Other	$1,638/mo	$1,677/mo	↑ $39.63more	2.4%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$561/mo	↑ $26.03more	4.9%
🛒Groceries	$939/mo	$963/mo	↑ $23.80more	2.5%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$589/mo	↑ $0.01more	0.0%

🏠Housing

↑ 30.8%

Apex, NC

$2,131

Phoenix, AZ

$2,788

Difference

$657

🚗Transportation

↑ 20.9%

Apex, NC

$1,232

Phoenix, AZ

$1,489

Difference

$257

📦Other

↑ 2.4%

Apex, NC

$1,638

Phoenix, AZ

$1,677

Difference

$39.63

⚡All Utilities

↑ 4.9%

Apex, NC

$535

Phoenix, AZ

$561

Difference

$26.03

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.5%

Apex, NC

$939

Phoenix, AZ

$963

Difference

$23.80

🏥Healthcare

↑ 0.0%

Apex, NC

$589

Phoenix, AZ

$589

Difference

$0.01

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,516

To$1,390

↓ $126

1 Bed

From$1,590

To$1,510

↓ $80.00

2 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,750

↑ $5.00

3 Bed

From$2,193

To$2,330

↑ $137

Apex, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,950–$1,950/mo

Phoenix, AZZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,300–$2,380/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

$8,068

Monthly in Phoenix, AZ

$1,004

Difference

Home Values

Apex

Phoenix

$560K

Median Value

$414K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -3.1%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +30.2%

$560K

Price Range

$274K - $957K

Homes in Phoenix are 26% less expensive than Apex

Calculate payment - Apex Calculate payment - Phoenix

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.9K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$158

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

1.3%

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

Phoenix, AZ

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Arizona State Tax

Effective: 3.5%

$5.2K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 28.2%

$42.2K

Take-Home Pay

$8,979/month

$107.8K

Additional Tax Information

Apex, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Phoenix, AZ Tax Rates

Sales Tax:8.5%

Property Tax:0.6%

💡 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.