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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Alexandria

Virginia
173

Cary is 22% cheaper than Alexandria.

$1,621/mo ↓ 20%
Median Rent
$2,031/mo ↑ 25%
$129,399/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$113,638/yr ↓ 12%
$525,200 ↓ 25%
Home Value
$696,800 ↑ 33%
$1,744/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$2,173/mo ↑ 25%
176,686
Population
156,788

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Alexandria, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 173 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $410/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $4,920/year.

Median household income is $15,761/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $696,800 in Alexandria.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Alexandria — common questions

Is Cary or Alexandria cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 173 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Alexandria?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Alexandria it's $2,031/month — a difference of $410/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Alexandria?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $113,638 in Alexandria. Median household income is $15,761/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Alexandria?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Alexandria has a cost index of 173 with rent of $2,031/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Alexandria details →

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