Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Bridgeport, CT (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Bridgeport

Connecticut
94

Cary is 44% more expensive than Bridgeport.

$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,405/mo ↓ 13%
$129,399/yr ↑ 129%
Median Income
$56,584/yr ↓ 56%
$525,200 ↑ 108%
Home Value
$252,400 ↓ 52%
$1,744/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,475/mo ↓ 15%
176,686
Population
148,012

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
29.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Bridgeport, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 94 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $216/month cheaper in Bridgeport, saving renters about $2,592/year.

Median household income is $72,815/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $252,400 in Bridgeport.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Bridgeport — common questions

Is Cary or Bridgeport cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Bridgeport is cheaper to live in with an index of 94 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Bridgeport?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Bridgeport it's $1,405/month — a difference of $216/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Bridgeport?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $56,584 in Bridgeport. Median household income is $72,815/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Bridgeport?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Bridgeport has a cost index of 94 with rent of $1,405/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Bridgeport details →

More Comparisons

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