Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Apex, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 4.3% more expensive than Apex, NC. This translates to spending an extra $319 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Apex, NC, you'd need approximately $153,833.835 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Apex, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 15.8% more expensive than in Apex, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,745/month in Apex, NC.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $319 more per month than Apex, NC, or $3834 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Apex, NC vs Raleigh, NC: 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 $319/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $153.8K in Raleigh, NC

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

Overall Cost

↑ 4.3%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$319

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$3.8K

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

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:104

Median Home:$512K

Apex, NC

The Tar Heel State

72K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Apex, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Apex, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,131/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $338more	15.8%
📦Other	$1,638/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $69.76more	4.3%
🚗Transportation	$1,232/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $52.46more	4.3%
🛒Groceries	$939/mo	$959/mo	↑ $19.80more	2.1%
🏥Healthcare	$589/mo	$601/mo	↑ $12.41more	2.1%
⚡All Utilities	$535/mo	$546/mo	↑ $11.28more	2.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 15.8%

Apex, NC

$2,131

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$338

📦Other

↑ 4.3%

Apex, NC

$1,638

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$69.76

🚗Transportation

↑ 4.3%

Apex, NC

$1,232

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$52.46

🛒Groceries

↑ 2.1%

Apex, NC

$939

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$19.80

🏥Healthcare

↑ 2.1%

Apex, NC

$589

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$12.41

⚡All Utilities

↑ 2.1%

Apex, NC

$535

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$11.28

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,516

To$1,570

↑ $54.00

1 Bed

From$1,590

To$1,640

↑ $50.00

2 Bed

From$1,745

To$1,800

↑ $55.00

3 Bed

From$2,193

To$2,255

↑ $62.00

Apex, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,950–$1,950/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$503

Difference

Home Values

Apex

Raleigh

$560K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.3%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +44.9%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$560K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 9% less expensive than Apex

Calculate payment - Apex Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

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

Raleigh, 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

Additional Tax Information

Apex, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 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.