| Index | Apex | North Carolina | National |
| Cost of living | 122 | 96 | 100 |
| Groceries | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Health care | 100 | 99 | 100 |
| Housing | 176 | 88 | 100 |
| Transportation | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Utilities | 98 | 99 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 96 | 100 | 100 |
| Household Items | 99 | 100 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 103 | 100 | 100 |
Understanding the cost of living in Apex can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Apex cost of living index is 122, which is 22% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.
The cost of living in Apex is among the highest in the country, making it a very expensive place to live. Only a small fraction of regions boast a cost of living that is at least 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Apex falls into this category, which may not be suitable for those seeking an economically favorable living environment.
When it comes to the cost of living in Apex, housing costs are a real heavyweight, often hogging a significant chunk of your earnings. Sadly, in this area, housing expenses for both buying and renting were 76.5% more expensive compared to your average city. That means you'll be shelling out more for homes, rents, mortgage rates and insurance.
Is Apex an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Apex is 88% higher than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 49.5% higher than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Apex has a median household income of $167,811, which is 106.3% higher than the national average.
Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Apex, the transportation index stands at 1.8% lower than the national average.
Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Apex, is 76.5% higher than the national average.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Apex, the utilities index registers at 2.3% lower than the national average.
The Apex cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.
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| Groceries index | |
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| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $200,643 | $16,720 | $4,681 | $6,020 |
| Renters | $109,628 | $9,136 | $2,558 | $3,289 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 7.5% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| North Carolina | 4.75% | 4.75% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Moncure, NC | 823 | 82 | 18.4% |
| Garner, NC | 31,549 | 106 | 5.7% |
| Raleigh, NC | 482,278 | 115 | 14.5% |
| Fuquay-Varina, NC | 29,773 | 113 | 13.4% |
| Morrisville, NC | 28,305 | 121 | 21.2% |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 122 | 22.3% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Lakewood, NJ | 57,098 | 151 | 51.0% |
| Kettering, OH | 57,103 | 91 | 8.8% |
| Saint-Hyacinthe, QC | 56,946 | n/a | |
| Manhattan, KS | 57,133 | 100 | 0.3% |
| Southaven, MS | 57,133 | 95 | 5.0% |
| Apex, NC | 57,037 | 122 | 22.3% |
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