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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Costa Mesa

California
228

Cary is 41% cheaper than Costa Mesa.

$1,621/mo ↓ 32%
Median Rent
$2,395/mo ↑ 48%
$129,399/yr ↑ 18%
Median Income
$110,073/yr ↓ 15%
$525,200 ↓ 50%
Home Value
$1,054,700 ↑ 101%
$1,744/mo ↓ 29%
Owner Costs
$2,462/mo ↑ 41%
176,686
Population
110,538

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
26.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Costa Mesa, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 228 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $774/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $9,288/year.

Median household income is $19,326/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $1,054,700 in Costa Mesa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Costa Mesa — common questions

Is Cary or Costa Mesa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 228 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Costa Mesa?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Costa Mesa it's $2,395/month — a difference of $774/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Costa Mesa?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $110,073 in Costa Mesa. Median household income is $19,326/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 Costa Mesa?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Costa Mesa has a cost index of 228 with rent of $2,395/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Costa Mesa details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Costa Mesa

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Costa Mesa vs. Everett Costa Mesa vs. Temecula Costa Mesa vs. Miami Gardens Costa Mesa vs. Ventura Costa Mesa vs. Pueblo Costa Mesa vs. Santa Maria