Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Bellevue, WA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Bellevue

Washington
250

Cary is 46% cheaper than Bellevue.

$1,621/mo ↓ 35%
Median Rent
$2,505/mo ↑ 55%
$129,399/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$161,300/yr ↑ 25%
$525,200 ↓ 56%
Home Value
$1,203,100 ↑ 129%
$1,744/mo ↓ 33%
Owner Costs
$2,586/mo ↑ 48%
176,686
Population
151,199

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Bellevue, WA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 250 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $884/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $10,608/year.

Median household income is $31,901/year higher in Bellevue. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $1,203,100 in Bellevue.

Washington has no state income tax, giving Bellevue residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Bellevue — common questions

Is Cary or Bellevue cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 250 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Bellevue?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Bellevue it's $2,505/month — a difference of $884/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Bellevue?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $161,300 in Bellevue. Median household income is $31,901/year higher in Bellevue.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Washington?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Bellevue?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Bellevue has a cost index of 250 with rent of $2,505/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Bellevue details →

More Comparisons

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