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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Concord

California
187

Cary is 28% cheaper than Concord.

$1,621/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,226/mo ↑ 37%
$129,399/yr ↑ 19%
Median Income
$109,195/yr ↓ 16%
$525,200 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$755,900 ↑ 44%
$1,744/mo ↓ 24%
Owner Costs
$2,284/mo ↑ 31%
176,686
Population
124,260

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Concord, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 187 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $605/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $7,260/year.

Median household income is $20,204/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $755,900 in Concord.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Concord — common questions

Is Cary or Concord cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Concord?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Concord it's $2,226/month — a difference of $605/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Concord?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $109,195 in Concord. Median household income is $20,204/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 Concord?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Concord has a cost index of 187 with rent of $2,226/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Concord details →

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