Cost of Living: Boston, MA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Boston

Massachusetts
176
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Boston is 30% more expensive than Cary.

$2,093/mo ↑ 29%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 23%
$94,755/yr ↓ 27%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 37%
$710,400 ↑ 35%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 26%
$2,176/mo ↑ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 20%
663,972
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

9.0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.15%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

26.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Boston, MA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 176 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $472/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $5,664/year.

Median household income is $34,644/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Boston is $710,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Boston vs Cary — common questions

Is Boston or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Boston and Cary?
Median rent in Boston is $2,093/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $472/month.
Which city has higher income, Boston or Cary?
Median household income is $94,755 in Boston and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $34,644/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Massachusetts and North Carolina?
Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Boston or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Boston has a cost index of 176 with median rent of $2,093/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 Boston details → View Cary details →

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