B-
13%
Overall NAT. AVG.
2%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
47%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Fuquay-Varina North Carolina National
Cost of living11396100
Groceries98100100
Health care9799100
Housing14788100
Transportation10199100
Utilities9899100
Lifestyle & Entertainment102100100
Household Items100100100
Education & Childcare98100100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Fuquay-Varina, NC

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Fuquay-Varina is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Fuquay-Varina is 113, which is 13% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

Housing costs are a major factor in the Fuquay-Varina cost of living index, and they often eat up a big chunk of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, housing expenses for both homeownership and rentals were 46.6% higher than what's typical in an average city. That includes the prices of homes and rents, as well as mortgage rates and insurance.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Fuquay-Varina?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 17 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Fuquay-Varina. The feedback revealed that 59% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 41% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Fuquay-Varina Affordable?

Is Fuquay-Varina affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Fuquay-Varina, the median home price is 52.1% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 33.9% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Fuquay-Varina boasting a median household income of $119,999, 47.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Fuquay-Varina?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Fuquay-Varina, the utilities index is 2.3% lower than the national average.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Healthcare: The costs associated with healthcare and insurance premiums can exhibit notable disparities based on the city or state of residence. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for medical appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs and specialized medical care expenses all contribute to variations in the cost of living. In Fuquay-Varina, healthcare costs are 2.6% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Fuquay-Varina cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Fuquay-Varina is 18% higher than the North Carolina average
  • The cost of living in Fuquay-Varina is 13% higher than the national average
  • Fuquay-Varina housing is 47% higher than the national average
  • North Carolina general sales tax is 7% lower than the national average
  • North Carolina state income tax is 83% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Fuquay-Varina

See all the best places to live around Fuquay-Varina

Compare Fuquay-Varina, NC Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$150,679$12,557$3,516$4,521
      Renters$76,393$6,366$1,782$2,292
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Fuquay-Varina, NC, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Fuquay-Varina have a median income of $150,679. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,516 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $76,393, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,782.

      North Carolina Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      North Carolina 4.75% 7.5%

      North Carolina Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      North Carolina 4.75% 4.75%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Coats, NC2,5368811.5%
      Benson, NC3,9919010.3%
      Lillington, NC3,690954.9%
      Mamers, NC627955.0%
      Angier, NC5,927963.8%
      Fuquay-Varina, NC29,77311313.4%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Paragould, AR29,7738910.5%
      Whitehorse, YT29,774n/a 
      Summerlin South, NV29,75014444.2%
      Port Chester, NY29,79615049.6%
      Ridgecrest, CA29,80011212.0%
      Fuquay-Varina, NC29,77311313.4%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.