Cost of Living in Wake County, NC
Population 1,178,653 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates
The median rent in Wake County, NC is $1,623/month, 32% higher than the North Carolina median and 15% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $461,300, 39% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $105,768 a year, 46% higher than the state median.
Affordability
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Wake County vs. North Carolina vs. U.S.
| Wake County | North Carolina | U.S. | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median rent | $1,623 | $1,228 | $1,413 |
| Median home value | $461,300 | $288,900 | $332,700 |
| Median household income | $105,768 | $72,388 | $80,734 |
| Homeownership rate | 64.1% | 66.6% | 65.2% |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 57.2% | 35.7% | 35.7% |
| Poverty rate | 8.1% | 13.0% | 12.5% |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Work from home | 29.1% | 16.3% | 15.1% |
| Median age | 37.3 | 39.1 | 38.9 |
FAQ
What is the average rent in Wake County, NC?
The median gross rent in Wake County, NC is $1,623 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).
How much do I need to earn to live in Wake County, NC?
Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $64,920 a year in gross income.
Is Wake County, NC expensive to live in?
Rent there is 15% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 4.4 times the median household income.
Other counties in North Carolina
Counties with a similar cost of living
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.
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