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What's the Cost of Living in Apex, NC?
Is Apex, NC, an expensive place to live? Here is what you need to know about the cost of living in Apex.
Nestled in the heart of the Research Triangle region, Apex, North Carolina, has earned its nickname as "The Peak of Good Living" for good reason. This thriving suburb offers an exceptional quality of life, top-rated schools, and convenient access to the employment opportunities of Raleigh, Durham, and Chapel Hill.
Apex is a great place to call home. It offers a quiet way of life and plenty of southern charm. With a pedestrian-friendly downtown area, Apex is one of the best places to live in Wake County.
With a growing population of 72,225, people from all over the country decide to relocate to Apex in search of beautiful real estate, top-rated schools, and high-paying tech jobs.
Considered one of the safest cities in North Carolina, many families, young professionals, and retirees are choosing to move to Apex. Offering a mixture of well-established neighborhoods and new construction, living in Apex provides its residents with many benefits.
But what does it cost to call Apex home? If you're considering a move to this sought-after community, understanding the financial landscape is crucial for making an informed decision.
Keep reading to learn about what it costs to live in Apex.
1. Overall Cost of Living in Apex
The cost of living in Apex is 3% higher than the national average. Within North Carolina, Apex sits in the upper tier of living costs but remains competitive with other desirable communities within the Research Triangle.
Like Morrisville, Holly Springs, and other Raleigh suburbs, Apex's living costs are slightly above average but less expensive than those in exclusive areas in Downtown Raleigh and Wake County.
Here are some typical expenses and cost of living averages in Apex, NC:
| Cost of Living Item | Average Price |
| Median Rent | $1,684/month |
| Energy Bill | $186.25/month |
| Phone Bill | $175.55/month |
| Loaf of Bread | $3.97 |
| Gallon of Milk | $4.72 |
| Doctor's Visit | $164.92 |
| Dentist Visit | $134.62 |
*Data Sourced from Payscale.
While initial costs may seem high, appreciating property values, excellent schools, and stable employment create long-term financial benefits.
Residents consistently report high satisfaction levels, suggesting the cost premium delivers tangible lifestyle improvements that justify the investment.
The community delivers premium amenities and services that would cost significantly more in other markets:
Educational Value: Apex's schools consistently rank in the top 10% statewide. Private school alternatives offering similar quality would cost $15,000-25,000 annually per child, representing massive savings for families.
Safety Premium: With crime rates below national averages, residents save on security systems, higher insurance premiums, and replacement costs associated with theft or vandalism, which are common in other areas.
Recreation Access: The town maintains over 30 parks, greenways, and recreational facilities. Comparable private club memberships elsewhere could cost $200-500 monthly per family.
Infrastructure Quality: Well-maintained roads, reliable utilities, and excellent emergency services reduce unexpected costs and disruptions common in other communities.
2. Income Levels
One of Apex's most attractive features is its high income potential, which helps offset the higher living costs. The median household income in Apex is $138,442 per year, with an average annual household income of $166,754. This significantly exceeds the national median household income of $79,466.
The employment market is equally strong, with unemployment at just 2.6%, well below national averages. This economic stability, combined with proximity to Research Triangle Park and major universities, creates abundant opportunities for career growth and high-paying positions.
3. Housing Costs
Housing represents the largest expense for Apex residents, reflecting the area's desirability and limited inventory. Current market conditions show varied pricing depending on the housing type, home size, and neighborhood location.
Apex's current median list price is $736,140, and the cost per square foot is $263. Most homes stay on the market for 37 days, indicating a seller's market.
The wide range in home prices reflects Apex's diverse neighborhoods. Popular areas like Abbington feature homes ranging from the mid-$800s to mid-$900s. Luxury developments like Bella Casa command premium prices due to their proximity to amenities like the Beaver Creek shopping center.
Apex offers various options for renters, including apartments and single-family homes. The rental market in Apex tends to be competitive due to the area's popularity among young professionals and families relocating for work in the Research Triangle.
4. Food and Grocery Costs
Food costs in Apex present a mixed but generally favorable picture for residents. The average price of groceries is similar to the national average, with monthly food/grocery costs averaging around $500.
This grocery advantage likely reflects the competitive retail environment in the Research Triangle area, with multiple grocery chains and wholesale clubs providing options for budget-conscious shoppers.
The average dinner cost for two people is $60, which aligns with expectations for an affluent suburban community. Apex's growing restaurant scene offers everything from casual family dining to upscale establishments, providing options for various budgets and preferences.
5. Utility Costs
Apex residents benefit from municipal utility services provided by the town, which help keep costs reasonable and service quality high. The Town provides most households and businesses with water, sewer, and electric services.
Water
The town of Apex provides water for its many residents. Apex sources water from Jordan Lake, part of the Cape Fear River Basin. Apex uses a tier system to determine the cost of water services.
Here are the water rates in Apex:
| Amount | Inside Town Limits | Outside Town Limits |
| Base charge | $6.24 | $12.48 |
| Tier 1: 0-6,000 gal | $4.60 | $9.20 |
| Tier 2: 6,001-12,000 gal | $5.29 | $10.58 |
| Tier 3: > 12,000 gal | $7.13 | $14.26 |
*Data sourced from the Town of Apex.
Electricity
While there are many electric providers, the Apex electric department provides electricity to most of the area. The Apex electric department charges a residential $26.50 base charge and a $0.1133 per kWh electric charge.
The average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $190. This rate is competitive compared to many other areas in North Carolina and reflects the town's commitment to providing affordable, reliable power.
6. Transportation Costs
Transportation represents a bright spot in Apex's cost structure. Transportation expenses like bus fares and gas prices are 8% lower than the national average. This advantage stems from several factors, including location and walkability.
The town's location provides excellent highway access to major employment centers, reducing commute times and fuel costs. US-1, NC-55, and proximity to I-540 make commuting to Raleigh, Durham, or Chapel Hill manageable.
Many residents find their commute costs offset by higher wages in the Research Triangle job market. The average commute time to work in Apex is 26.9 minutes. However, the toll road halves the commute to Research Triangle Park.
Additionally, Apex's compact downtown and well-planned neighborhoods make local errands and activities easily walkable or bikeable, reducing daily transportation needs.
GoApex is a free transportation service that was launched in July 2022. It is accessible to the public and runs Monday through Saturday from 6 AM to 10 PM, except on certain holidays. The town of Apex also provides regional routes that can take you all over the Triangle area.
7. Planning Your Budget
Many residents find their incomes grow faster in Apex due to proximity to Research Triangle opportunities, often offsetting cost increases within two to three years of moving.
While initial costs may seem high, appreciating property values, excellent schools, and stable employment create long-term financial benefits.
Residents consistently report high satisfaction levels, suggesting the cost premium delivers noticeable lifestyle improvements that justify the investment.
For families considering a move to Apex, here's a realistic budget framework based on current data:
Housing: Plan for 25-35% of gross income, whether renting or buying. With median incomes of $138,442, this translates to $2,890-$4,040 monthly for housing.
Utilities: Budget approximately $250-300 monthly for electric, water, and sewer services.
Transportation: Factor $300-500 monthly for car payments, insurance, gas, and maintenance, taking advantage of the below-average transportation costs.
Food: Allocate $500-700 monthly for groceries, plus a dining out budget based on your preferences.
Total Living Costs: A family earning the median income should budget $4,000-5,500 monthly for basic living expenses, leaving substantial room for savings, entertainment, and quality-of-life expenditures.
8. Economic Future of Apex
Apex's cost of living reflects current amenities and economic stability that protects residents from cost fluctuations. Many factors contribute to the town's strong economy and make Apex a great place to live outside Raleigh.
The local economy remains resilient during economic downturns, and major employers are found in the technology, healthcare, education, and government sectors. This employment diversity attracts residents from all over the country with different backgrounds and professions.
Home values have appreciated steadily over the past decade, providing homeowners with growing equity that offsets living costs. As more people move to the area and more housing is built, the Apex housing market will continue strengthening.
The Town of Apex is focusing on advancing its infrastructure. Ongoing investments in utilities, transportation, and amenities suggest costs will remain competitive while services improve over the next few years.
Methodology
The cost of living in Apex, NC, was determined using data from Payscale and the U.S. Census Bureau.
FAQ
Is it expensive to live in Apex, NC?
The cost of living in Apex, NC, is 3% higher than the national average. While the average mortgage payment is higher than the national average, goods and services are generally lower.
Is Apex, NC, an excellent place to live?
Apex is one of the best places to live in North Carolina for its affordable real estate, job opportunities, and high safety rating.
What is the average household income in Apex, NC?
The median household income in Apex, NC, as of June 2025, is $138,442. This is above the national average of $79,446.
Find Your Dream Home in Apex, NC
Apex offers a premium lifestyle with costs above the national average. Still, the community's exceptional income levels, economic stability, and quality of life make it an attractive and attainable choice for many families. Combining high wages, reasonable utility costs, and competitive grocery prices helps balance the higher housing expenses.
For professionals and families prioritizing excellent schools, safe neighborhoods, recreational amenities, and career opportunities, Apex represents an investment in long-term quality of life. The town's continued growth and development suggest that property values and economic opportunities will remain strong, making it a great place to live and a sound financial decision.
Whether you're relocating for work in the Research Triangle or seeking a family-friendly community with small-town charm and big-city conveniences, Apex's cost of living reflects the premium lifestyle and opportunities it provides. With proper planning and realistic expectations, most middle to upper-middle-class families will find Apex accessible and rewarding.
Contact the experts at Raleigh Realty to start your home search in Apex, North Carolina.
