North Carolina • 2026 Data

Cost of Living in Wake Forest, North Carolina

Overall cost of living: -2% vs national average

Detailed housing, grocery, healthcare, and utility cost data for Wake Forest.

Housing
-1% vs avg
Utilities
-11% vs avg
Groceries
+1% vs avg
Transportation
Housing & Utilities
-1% vs avg
Median Home Price
$530,418
Median Rent
$1,592 / month
Energy Bill
$196.58 / month
Phone Bill
$175.37 / month
Gas (per gallon)
$2.71 / gallon
Food & Grocery
+1% vs avg
Loaf of Bread
$4.12
Gallon of Milk
$4.78
Carton of Eggs
$4.72
Bunch of Bananas
$0.77
Hamburger
$5.83
Healthcare
Doctor's Visit
$178.75
Dentist Visit
$143.59
Optometrist Visit
$162.81
Rx Drug
$25.88
Veterinary Visit
$70.46

Wake Forest in the Context of North Carolina

State Avg Cost Index97.8
State Avg Rent$1,387/mo
State Income Tax4.5%
Cities in State163

Other Cities in North Carolina

About Living in Wake Forest, North Carolina

Wake Forest is located in North Carolina and has an overall cost of living that is -2% compared to the national average. Understanding the full picture of living expenses — from housing and rent to grocery bills and healthcare — is essential when considering a move to Wake Forest.

Housing: Median rent in Wake Forest is $1,592 / month, and the median home price is $530,418. Housing costs are -1% compared to the national average, which significantly impacts monthly budgets.

Groceries: Daily essentials like bread ($4.12), milk ($4.78), and eggs ($4.72) reflect the local grocery landscape. Overall grocery costs are +1% vs the national average.

Healthcare: Medical costs include doctor visits ($178.75), dentist visits ($143.59), and prescription drugs ($25.88). These costs should be factored into your monthly budget when planning a move.

North Carolina has a state income tax rate of 4.5%, which affects take-home pay for Wake Forest residents.

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Wake Forest, North Carolina Cost of Living FAQ

Common questions about living costs in Wake Forest.

Wake Forest, North Carolina has an overall cost of living that is -2% the national average. Housing costs are -1% vs the national average. Grocery prices are +1% vs average. Utilities are -11% vs average. This makes Wake Forest a reasonably affordable city.
The median rent in Wake Forest, North Carolina is $1,592 / month. Average energy bills run $196.58 / month. Phone bills average $175.37 / month. Housing is typically the largest expense for residents.
Healthcare costs in Wake Forest: doctor's visit averages $178.75, dentist visit averages $143.59, prescription drugs average $25.88. Overall healthcare expenses in the area are influenced by the +1% grocery cost difference.
Wake Forest is one of 163 cities tracked in North Carolina. With an overall cost -2% vs the national average, it is more affordable than many other cities in the state. Visit our North Carolina state page to compare all cities side-by-side and find the best fit for your budget.
Wake Forest offers cost of living -2% compared to the national average. Key factors to consider: median home price of $530,418, rent of $1,592 / month, and a state income tax of 4.5% in North Carolina. Explore our detailed cost breakdown above to see if Wake Forest fits your budget.