Amarillo, TX vs Cary, NC: 69 vs 135

$1,049/mo ↓ 35%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↑ 55%

$62,469/yr ↓ 52%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 107%

$186,800 ↓ 64%

Home Value

$525,200 ↑ 181%

$1,074/mo ↓ 38%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↑ 62%

200,945

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Amarillo, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 69 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $572/month cheaper in Amarillo, saving renters about $6,864/year.

Median household income is $66,930/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Amarillo is $186,800 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Texas has no state income tax, giving Amarillo residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Amarillo vs Cary — common questions

Is Amarillo or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Amarillo is cheaper to live in with an index of 69 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Amarillo and Cary?

Median rent in Amarillo is $1,049/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $572/month.

Which city has higher income, Amarillo or Cary?

Median household income is $62,469 in Amarillo and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $66,930/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Amarillo or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. Amarillo has a cost index of 69 with median rent of $1,049/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.

Cost of Living: Amarillo, TX vs Cary, NC (2026)

Amarillo

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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