Apex, NC

Very High · 141

North Carolina · Population 67,765 · Updated March 2026

$1,784
Median Rent / Month
$138,442
Median Income
$514,800
Median Home Value
$1,900
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Apex

15.5%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$21,408
Annual Rent
$6,230
State Income Tax
$4,118
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Apex has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 141 (where 100 equals the national median), Apex residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,784/month while earning a median household income of $138,442/year.

The median home value in Apex, NC is $514,800, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,900 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.5% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Apex.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Apex

What is the cost of living in Apex, NC?
The cost of living index in Apex, NC is 141 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,784, median household income is $138,442/year, and the median home value is $514,800.
Is Apex, NC affordable?
No, Apex is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 141. The rent-to-income ratio is 15.5%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Apex, NC?
The median gross rent in Apex, NC is $1,784 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $21,408.
What is the median household income in Apex?
The median household income in Apex, NC is $138,442 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.