Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Evansville, IN (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Evansville

Indiana
57

Cary is 137% more expensive than Evansville.

$1,621/mo ↑ 71%
Median Rent
$949/mo ↓ 41%
$129,399/yr ↑ 148%
Median Income
$52,251/yr ↓ 60%
$525,200 ↑ 307%
Home Value
$129,100 ↓ 75%
$1,744/mo ↑ 90%
Owner Costs
$919/mo ↓ 47%
176,686
Population
116,441

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
3.05%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.83%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Evansville, IN, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 57 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $672/month cheaper in Evansville, saving renters about $8,064/year.

Median household income is $77,148/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $129,100 in Evansville.

Indiana has a lower income tax rate, making Evansville slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Evansville — common questions

Is Cary or Evansville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Evansville is cheaper to live in with an index of 57 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Evansville?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Evansville it's $949/month — a difference of $672/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Evansville?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $52,251 in Evansville. Median household income is $77,148/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Indiana?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Indiana has 3.05% income tax, 7.0% sales tax, and 0.83% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Evansville?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Evansville has a cost index of 57 with rent of $949/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Evansville details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Evansville

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Evansville vs. The Woodlands Evansville vs. Brandon Evansville vs. Lakeland Evansville vs. West Jordan Evansville vs. Clearwater Evansville vs. Broken Arrow