Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Clovis, CA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Clovis

California
130

Cary is 4% more expensive than Clovis.

$1,621/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,662/mo ↑ 3%
$129,399/yr ↑ 29%
Median Income
$100,360/yr ↓ 22%
$525,200 ↑ 16%
Home Value
$453,300 ↓ 14%
$1,744/mo ↓ 6%
Owner Costs
$1,851/mo ↑ 6%
176,686
Population
122,719

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Clovis, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $29,039/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $453,300 in Clovis.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Clovis — common questions

Is Cary or Clovis cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clovis is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Clovis?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Clovis it's $1,662/month — a difference of $41/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Clovis?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $100,360 in Clovis. Median household income is $29,039/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Clovis?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Clovis has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,662/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Clovis details →

More Comparisons

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Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Clovis vs. Arvada Clovis vs. College Station Clovis vs. Concord Clovis vs. Independence Clovis vs. Round Rock Clovis vs. Rochester