Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Ann Arbor, MI (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Ann Arbor

Michigan
121

Cary is 12% more expensive than Ann Arbor.

$1,621/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,552/mo ↓ 4%
$129,399/yr ↑ 60%
Median Income
$81,089/yr ↓ 37%
$525,200 ↑ 21%
Home Value
$435,100 ↓ 17%
$1,744/mo ↑ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,638/mo ↓ 6%
176,686
Population
121,179

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.25%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.38%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Ann Arbor, MI, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $69/month cheaper in Ann Arbor, saving renters about $828/year.

Median household income is $48,310/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $435,100 in Ann Arbor.

Michigan has a lower income tax rate, making Ann Arbor slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Ann Arbor — common questions

Is Cary or Ann Arbor cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Ann Arbor is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Ann Arbor?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Ann Arbor it's $1,552/month — a difference of $69/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Ann Arbor?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $81,089 in Ann Arbor. Median household income is $48,310/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Michigan?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Michigan has 4.25% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 1.38% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Ann Arbor?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Ann Arbor has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,552/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Ann Arbor details →

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