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

Arlington

Texas
95
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Arlington is 30% cheaper than Cary.

$1,389/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 17%
$73,519/yr ↓ 43%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 76%
$276,400 ↓ 47%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 90%
$1,420/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 23%
394,769
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 95 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $232/month cheaper in Arlington, saving renters about $2,784/year.

Median household income is $55,880/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $276,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Cary — common questions

Is Arlington or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Arlington is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cary?
Median rent in Arlington is $1,389/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $232/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cary?
Median household income is $73,519 in Arlington and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $55,880/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 Arlington or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Arlington has a cost index of 95 with median rent of $1,389/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.
View Arlington details → View Cary details →

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