Cost of Living in Wake Forest, NC (2026)
Updated Jun 2026 (3 months ago) · Source: U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Energy Information Administration
Key facts
- Rent (1-bedroom)
- $1,319/month
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Median household income
- $123,802
- U.S. Census Bureau · 2024-12-31
- Regional price parity
- 94.3 (below national average)
- U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis · 2024-12-31
- Utilities (monthly)
- $133/month
- U.S. Energy Information Administration · 2026-06-30
- Rent burden (of income)
- 13% (affordable)
- Derived from Census + HUD threshold · 2024-12-31
Can you afford this city?
- Groceries (est.)
- $396
- Monthly surplus
- $1,902
Salary needed to live here
- Gross per month
- $3,640
- Comfortable budget
- $2,548
Wake Forest, NC vs the US average
| Metric | Value | vs US avg |
|---|---|---|
Median household income (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $123,802 | +59% vs US |
Median home value (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $474,500 | +39% vs US |
Rent (1BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,319 | +1% vs US |
Rent (2BR) (Census ACS 5-Year, Dec 2024) | $1,548 | +5% vs US |
Grocery cost index (BEA Regional Price Parities, Dec 2024) | 96.6 | -3% vs US |
Utilities (monthly) (EIA Electricity Retail Sales, Jun 2026) | $133 | -35% vs US |
Cost breakdown vs US average
What it costs to live in Wake Forest
A one-bedroom in Wake Forest averages $1,319 per month, close to the national median of $1,300. The median household income here is $123,802, and a one-bedroom lease absorbs about 13% of that — leaving room under the 30% affordability threshold. Median homes are valued at $474,500 (3.8× median income) — above the 3× affordability rule, though in line with many U.S. metros. That's 39% above the U.S. median of $340,200. Utilities are relatively low at about $133/month — 35% below the national average of $205. Use the calculator above to see how far your income goes, with rent and utilities prefilled from the latest U.S. Census Bureau data.
Buying a home in Wake Forest?
Mortgage payment calculator
- Principal & interest
- $2,108
- Total interest
- $438,707
Estimate only — not financial, tax, or legal advice. Figures are illustrative and may not reflect your situation. Consult a qualified professional.
Cite this page
CostAlmanac US, *Wake Forest, NC — Cost of Living*, https://costalmanac.com/cost-of-living/wake-forest-nc
Data from U.S. government sources. See methodology for how every number is computed.