Wake Forest, NC vs. Durham, NC: Cost of Living Comparison (2025)
Which city gives you more for your money – Wake Forest or Durham? This article provides a detailed cost of living comparison to help families relocating, professionals choosing between job offers, or anyone comparing the real-life costs of these two North Carolina cities in 2025.
Housing Costs
Housing is typically the biggest factor in cost of living. Here’s how typical rents and home prices compare in Wake Forest vs Durham:
| Housing Type | Wake Forest | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| 2BR Apartment Rent | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| 3BR Home Price | $380,000 | $420,000 |
🏆 Winner: Wake Forest. Housing costs an average of 10-15% less in Wake Forest compared to Durham.
Utilities and Energy Costs
Expect monthly utility bills around $180 in Wake Forest and $200 in Durham for a typical household. Summers tend to have higher electric bills for air conditioning. Both cities offer off-peak savings plans to reduce costs.
🏆 Winner: Wake Forest has slightly lower utility costs on average.
Groceries and Daily Expenses
Grocery prices are fairly comparable between the two cities. A gallon of milk averages $3.60 in Wake Forest and $3.75 in Durham. Restaurant prices are about 5% higher in Durham.
🏆 Winner: Wake Forest edges out Durham for lower daily living costs.
Taxes and Fees
Wake Forest has a slightly lower property tax rate of 0.52% vs 0.61% in Durham. City service fees are similar. HOA fees in Wake Forest often include landscaping and trash, averaging $200/month.
🏆 Winner: Wake Forest has a modest tax advantage for homeowners.
Cost of Living Summary
| Category | Wake Forest | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Housing | $1,450 | $1,650 |
| Utilities | $180 | $200 |
| Groceries | $400 | $425 |
| Transportation | $60 | $55 |
| Taxes | $250 | $300 |
| Misc | $200 | $220 |
| Estimated Monthly Total | $2,540 | $2,850 |
All figures are estimates based on typical costs for a 2-person household. See our guide to Sample Monthly Budgets for Wake Forest in 2025 for more details.
Lifestyle Fit
Wake Forest offers more space for the money, with larger homes and yards. It has a small-town feel with lower density. Durham provides an urban vibe with walkable neighborhoods and shorter commutes. Durham averages 2°F warmer than Wake Forest in the summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Wake Forest more affordable than Durham?
- Yes, the cost of living is about 10% lower in Wake Forest overall.
- Which city has lower rent?
- Rents are around 15% cheaper in Wake Forest.
- Where is it cheaper to buy a home?
- Home prices are roughly 10% less in Wake Forest compared to similar homes in Durham.
Conclusion
While both cities provide a high quality of life, Wake Forest comes out ahead on affordability. A household moving from Durham to Wake Forest might save $300-400 per month on housing and living costs alone. However, Durham’s urban amenities, walkability, and convenient location are attractive to many.
The right choice depends on your budget, space needs, and lifestyle priorities. Be sure to check out our full Cost of Living in Wake Forest, NC: 2025 Breakdown for more insights as you weigh your options in the Triangle area.