Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Cary is 29% more expensive than Clearwater.

$1,621/mo ↑ 5%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 5%
$129,399/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 50%
$525,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 38%
$1,744/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 19%
176,686
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $82/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $984/year.

Median household income is $64,959/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Cary or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Clearwater?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $82/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Clearwater?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $64,959/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

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