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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Garden Grove

California
176

Cary is 41% cheaper than Garden Grove.

$1,621/mo ↓ 18%
Median Rent
$1,971/mo ↑ 22%
$129,399/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$90,166/yr ↓ 30%
$525,200 ↓ 31%
Home Value
$765,500 ↑ 46%
$1,744/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,016/mo ↑ 16%
176,686
Population
170,603

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Garden Grove, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 176 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $350/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $4,200/year.

Median household income is $39,233/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $765,500 in Garden Grove.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Garden Grove — common questions

Is Cary or Garden Grove cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 176 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Garden Grove?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Garden Grove it's $1,971/month — a difference of $350/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Garden Grove?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $90,166 in Garden Grove. Median household income is $39,233/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 Garden Grove?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Garden Grove has a cost index of 176 with rent of $1,971/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
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