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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Arvada

Colorado
152

Cary is 11% cheaper than Arvada.

$1,621/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,802/mo ↑ 11%
$129,399/yr ↑ 14%
Median Income
$113,396/yr ↓ 12%
$525,200 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$600,800 ↑ 14%
$1,744/mo ↓ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,948/mo ↑ 12%
176,686
Population
122,835

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Arvada, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 152 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $181/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,172/year.

Median household income is $16,003/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $600,800 in Arvada.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Arvada — common questions

Is Cary or Arvada cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Arvada?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Arvada it's $1,802/month — a difference of $181/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Arvada?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $113,396 in Arvada. Median household income is $16,003/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Arvada?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Arvada has a cost index of 152 with rent of $1,802/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Arvada details →

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