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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Denton

Texas
100

Cary is 35% more expensive than Denton.

$1,621/mo ↑ 21%
Median Rent
$1,344/mo ↓ 17%
$129,399/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$73,719/yr ↓ 43%
$525,200 ↑ 61%
Home Value
$325,700 ↓ 38%
$1,744/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,461/mo ↓ 16%
176,686
Population
146,987

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
21.9%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Denton, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 100 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $277/month cheaper in Denton, saving renters about $3,324/year.

Median household income is $55,680/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $325,700 in Denton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Denton — common questions

Is Cary or Denton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Denton is cheaper to live in with an index of 100 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Denton?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Denton it's $1,344/month — a difference of $277/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Denton?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $73,719 in Denton. Median household income is $55,680/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 Denton?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Denton has a cost index of 100 with rent of $1,344/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Denton details →

More Comparisons

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