Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Carrollton, TX (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Carrollton

Texas
116

Cary is 16% more expensive than Carrollton.

$1,621/mo ↓ 3%
Median Rent
$1,674/mo ↑ 3%
$129,399/yr ↑ 31%
Median Income
$99,115/yr ↓ 23%
$525,200 ↑ 49%
Home Value
$353,600 ↓ 33%
$1,744/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,689/mo ↓ 3%
176,686
Population
132,741

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Carrollton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 116 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $53/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $636/year.

Median household income is $30,284/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $353,600 in Carrollton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Carrollton — common questions

Is Cary or Carrollton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Carrollton is cheaper to live in with an index of 116 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Carrollton?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Carrollton it's $1,674/month — a difference of $53/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Carrollton?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $99,115 in Carrollton. Median household income is $30,284/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Carrollton?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Carrollton has a cost index of 116 with rent of $1,674/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Carrollton details →

More Comparisons

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