Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Broken Arrow, OK (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Broken Arrow

Oklahoma
83

Cary is 63% more expensive than Broken Arrow.

$1,621/mo ↑ 31%
Median Rent
$1,240/mo ↓ 24%
$129,399/yr ↑ 52%
Median Income
$85,220/yr ↓ 34%
$525,200 ↑ 129%
Home Value
$229,300 ↓ 56%
$1,744/mo ↑ 36%
Owner Costs
$1,283/mo ↓ 26%
176,686
Population
115,919

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.5%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.9%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
17.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Broken Arrow, OK, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $381/month cheaper in Broken Arrow, saving renters about $4,572/year.

Median household income is $44,179/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $229,300 in Broken Arrow.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Broken Arrow — common questions

Is Cary or Broken Arrow cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Broken Arrow is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Broken Arrow?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Broken Arrow it's $1,240/month — a difference of $381/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Broken Arrow?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $85,220 in Broken Arrow. Median household income is $44,179/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oklahoma?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oklahoma has 4.75% income tax, 4.5% sales tax, and 0.9% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Broken Arrow?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Broken Arrow has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,240/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Broken Arrow details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Broken Arrow

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Broken Arrow vs. West Jordan Broken Arrow vs. Antioch Broken Arrow vs. Brandon Broken Arrow vs. Westminster Broken Arrow vs. Evansville Broken Arrow vs. Manchester