Apex, NC vs Hickory, NC

The cost of living difference between Apex, NC and Hickory, NC is dramatic. Hickory is 61% cheaper than Apex, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Apex has a cost index of 131 while Hickory sits at 81, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Apex is $1,784/month compared to $975/month in Hickory — a 83% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hickory is more affordable at $248,300 median vs $514,800.

Median household income in Apex is $138,442 compared to $63,361 in Hickory (+118.5%). 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, less than the 18.5% in Hickory.