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

Arlington

Virginia
203
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Arlington is 50% more expensive than Cary.

$2,275/mo ↑ 40%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 29%
$140,160/yr ↑ 8%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↓ 8%
$864,800 ↑ 65%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 39%
$2,414/mo ↑ 38%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 28%
235,463
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
5.3%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Arlington, VA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 203 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $654/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $7,848/year.

Median household income is $10,761/year higher in Arlington. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Arlington is $864,800 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Arlington vs Cary — common questions

Is Arlington or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 203 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Arlington and Cary?
Median rent in Arlington is $2,275/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $654/month.
Which city has higher income, Arlington or Cary?
Median household income is $140,160 in Arlington and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $10,761/year higher in Arlington.
How do taxes compare between Virginia and North Carolina?
Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% 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 203 with median rent of $2,275/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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