Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Fort Collins, CO (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Fort Collins

Colorado
137

Cary and Fort Collins have a similar cost of living.

$1,621/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,661/mo ↑ 2%
$129,399/yr ↑ 55%
Median Income
$83,598/yr ↓ 35%
$525,200 ↓ 4%
Home Value
$548,400 ↑ 4%
$1,744/mo ↑ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,692/mo ↓ 3%
176,686
Population
169,705

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Fort Collins, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 137 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $45,801/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $548,400 in Fort Collins.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Fort Collins slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Fort Collins — common questions

Is Cary or Fort Collins cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 137 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Fort Collins?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Fort Collins it's $1,661/month — a difference of $40/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Fort Collins?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $83,598 in Fort Collins. Median household income is $45,801/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Fort Collins?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Fort Collins has a cost index of 137 with rent of $1,661/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Fort Collins details →

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