Cost of Living: Aurora, CO vs Cary, NC (2026)

Aurora

Colorado
130
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Aurora is 4% cheaper than Cary.

$1,759/mo ↑ 9%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 8%
$84,320/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 53%
$444,500 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 18%
$1,762/mo ↑ 1%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 1%
390,201
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.4%
Income Tax
4.5%
2.9%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.51%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Aurora, CO and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 130 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $45,079/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Aurora is $444,500 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Aurora slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Aurora vs Cary — common questions

Is Aurora or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Aurora is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Aurora and Cary?
Median rent in Aurora is $1,759/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Aurora or Cary?
Median household income is $84,320 in Aurora and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $45,079/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Colorado and North Carolina?
Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Aurora or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Aurora has a cost index of 130 with median rent of $1,759/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 Aurora details → View Cary details →

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