Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Elizabeth, NJ (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Elizabeth

New Jersey
112

Cary is 21% more expensive than Elizabeth.

$1,621/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,463/mo ↓ 10%
$129,399/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$63,874/yr ↓ 51%
$525,200 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$393,500 ↓ 25%
$1,744/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,543/mo ↓ 12%
176,686
Population
135,887

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
10.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.625%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.23%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
27.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Elizabeth, NJ, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 112 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $158/month cheaper in Elizabeth, saving renters about $1,896/year.

Median household income is $65,525/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $393,500 in Elizabeth.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Elizabeth — common questions

Is Cary or Elizabeth cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Elizabeth is cheaper to live in with an index of 112 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Elizabeth?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Elizabeth it's $1,463/month — a difference of $158/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Elizabeth?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $63,874 in Elizabeth. Median household income is $65,525/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and New Jersey?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. New Jersey has 10.75% income tax, 6.625% sales tax, and 2.23% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Elizabeth?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Elizabeth has a cost index of 112 with rent of $1,463/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Elizabeth details →

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