Homes for Rent in Wake County, NC

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What to Know About

Life in Wake County & Beyond

Wake County shares many of the great qualities that make North Carolina a desirable place to live.

North Carolina is diverse, with coastal beaches and mountainous regions, creating a one-of-a-kind experience. North Carolina is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Blue Ridge Mountains, Great Smoky Mountains, and Outer Banks, as well as popular tourist destinations like the North Carolina Zoo and USS North Carolina Battleship Memorial. The state is home to several major universities, including North Carolina State University, Duke University, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. It also offers historic sites like the Biltmore Estate and Wright Brothers National Memorial.

There is a strong sports culture in North Carolina, with popular teams including the Carolina Panthers (NFL), Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), and Charlotte Hornets (NBA) and a rabid college sports scene. North Carolina also has a vibrant arts and theater scene, with some of the country's most prestigious performance venues, like the Durham Performing Arts Center and the Blumenthal Performing Arts Center.

With an affordable cost of living, abundant job opportunities, high quality of life, stunning natural beauty, top-notch education, and a wealth of cultural offerings, North Carolina is a top choice for many looking for a great place to live.

Rental Market Trends

Wake County, NC

As of January 2026, Wake County's rental market is competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units. Wake County's average rent is 8.1% ($123) higher than the North Carolina average of $1,526 and 6.3% ($110) lower than the U.S. average of $1,759.

Average Rent
$1,649
Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change
Decreased0.6% ($10)
Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
Decreased0.9% ($15)
Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
27
Unit Type Average Rent Monthly ChangeMonth Over Month Change Yearly ChangeYear Over Year Change
1 Bed $1,440 Decreased0.6% ($8) Decreased2.8% ($42)
2 Beds $1,722 Increased0.9% ($16) Increased0.7% ($12)
3 Beds $1,966 Increased0.1% ($1) Decreased5.3% ($110)
Cities within Wake County Average Rent Avg. Rent vs. WakeAverage Rent vs. Wake County Avg. Days on MarketAverage Days on Market
Raleigh $1,623 Decreased1.6% ($26) 28 days
Cary $1,821 Increased10.4% ($172) 20 days
Wake Forest $1,673 Increased1.5% ($24) 22 days
Fuquay Varina $1,724 Increased4.5% ($75) 25 days
Apex $1,839 Increased11.5% ($190) 29 days
Rental market trends are calculated using listing data from RentalSource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wake County Rental Market FAQs

Explore rental prices, market trends, and availability in Wake County, NC.

The average rent in Wake County, NC is $1,649 per month.
Homes in Wake County typically rent for between $1,008 and $2,556 per month, with an average of $1,649 per month.
In Wake County, the average rent for a 1-bedroom home is $1,440 per month, for a 2-bedroom home, $1,722 per month, and a 3-bedroom home is $1,966 per month.
The average rent in Wake County is 6.3% ($110) lower than the national average of $1,759 per month.
The average rent in Wake County has decreased by 0.6% ($10) in the last month and decreased by 0.9% ($15) over the past year.
The rental market in Wake County, NC, is currently competitive, with strong renter demand causing quick leasing times for well-priced units.
In Wake County, NC, the average rental stays on the market for approximately 27 days. While most properties are rented within this timeframe, factors like seasonality, demand, and property type can affect how quickly a rental leases.
There is currently 1,280 rental property available in Wake County, NC.
Based on the current averages, a household would need an annual income of $68,880 to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom home in Wake County.
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