Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Antioch, CA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Antioch

California
171

Cary is 21% cheaper than Antioch.

$1,621/mo ↓ 28%
Median Rent
$2,241/mo ↑ 38%
$129,399/yr ↑ 37%
Median Income
$94,256/yr ↓ 27%
$525,200 ↓ 14%
Home Value
$607,400 ↑ 16%
$1,744/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,271/mo ↑ 30%
176,686
Population
115,759

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Antioch, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 171 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $35,143/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $607,400 in Antioch.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Antioch — common questions

Is Cary or Antioch cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Antioch?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Antioch it's $2,241/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Antioch?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $94,256 in Antioch. Median household income is $35,143/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Antioch?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Antioch has a cost index of 171 with rent of $2,241/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Antioch details →

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