Apex, NC vs Cary, NC

Apex, NC and Cary, NC have a very similar cost of living, with only a 3.2% difference in their overall index. Apex scores 131 while Cary scores 127 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Apex is $1,784/month compared to $1,621/month in Cary — a 10% difference. Interestingly, home values tell a different story: while Cary has cheaper rent, Apex actually has lower median home values ($514,800 vs $525,200).

Median household income in Apex is $138,442 compared to $129,399 in Cary (+7%). While Apex is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Apex spend roughly 15.5% of their income on rent, more than the 15% in Cary.