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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Fullerton

California
195

Cary is 31% cheaper than Fullerton.

$1,621/mo ↓ 24%
Median Rent
$2,124/mo ↑ 31%
$129,399/yr ↑ 24%
Median Income
$104,219/yr ↓ 19%
$525,200 ↓ 39%
Home Value
$859,600 ↑ 64%
$1,744/mo ↓ 23%
Owner Costs
$2,251/mo ↑ 29%
176,686
Population
141,278

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
24.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Fullerton, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 195 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $503/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $6,036/year.

Median household income is $25,180/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $859,600 in Fullerton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Fullerton — common questions

Is Cary or Fullerton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Fullerton?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Fullerton it's $2,124/month — a difference of $503/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Fullerton?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $104,219 in Fullerton. Median household income is $25,180/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 Fullerton?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Fullerton has a cost index of 195 with rent of $2,124/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Fullerton details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Fullerton

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