Apex, NC vs New Bern, NC

The cost of living difference between Apex, NC and New Bern, NC is dramatic. New Bern is 58.2% cheaper than Apex, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Apex has a cost index of 131 while New Bern sits at 83, 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 $1,068/month in New Bern — a 67% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: New Bern is more affordable at $211,500 median vs $514,800.

Median household income in Apex is $138,442 compared to $56,893 in New Bern (+143.3%). 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 22.5% in New Bern.