Apex, NC vs Wilmington, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wilmington is 28.3% cheaper than Apex. With a cost index of 102 vs 131, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wilmington to Apex should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Apex is $1,784/month compared to $1,311/month in Wilmington — a 36% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilmington is more affordable at $350,300 median vs $514,800.

Median household income in Apex is $138,442 compared to $63,900 in Wilmington (+116.7%). 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, less than the 24.6% in Wilmington.