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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

College Station

Texas
91

Cary is 48% more expensive than College Station.

$1,621/mo ↑ 39%
Median Rent
$1,168/mo ↓ 28%
$129,399/yr ↑ 150%
Median Income
$51,776/yr ↓ 60%
$525,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$326,500 ↓ 38%
$1,744/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 28%
176,686
Population
122,280

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
27.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and College Station, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 91 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $453/month cheaper in College Station, saving renters about $5,436/year.

Median household income is $77,623/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $326,500 in College Station.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs College Station — common questions

Is Cary or College Station cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, College Station is cheaper to live in with an index of 91 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and College Station?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in College Station it's $1,168/month — a difference of $453/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or College Station?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $51,776 in College Station. Median household income is $77,623/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 College Station?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while College Station has a cost index of 91 with rent of $1,168/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View College Station details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and College Station

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