Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Gresham, OR (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Gresham

Oregon
119

Cary is 13% more expensive than Gresham.

$1,621/mo ↑ 7%
Median Rent
$1,508/mo ↓ 7%
$129,399/yr ↑ 76%
Median Income
$73,608/yr ↓ 43%
$525,200 ↑ 19%
Home Value
$440,000 ↓ 16%
$1,744/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,590/mo ↓ 9%
176,686
Population
112,818

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.9%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Gresham, OR, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 119 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $113/month cheaper in Gresham, saving renters about $1,356/year.

Median household income is $55,791/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $440,000 in Gresham.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Gresham — common questions

Is Cary or Gresham cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Gresham is cheaper to live in with an index of 119 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Gresham?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Gresham it's $1,508/month — a difference of $113/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Gresham?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $73,608 in Gresham. Median household income is $55,791/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Oregon?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Gresham?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Gresham has a cost index of 119 with rent of $1,508/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Gresham details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Gresham

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Gresham vs. Beaumont Gresham vs. Las Cruces Gresham vs. Springfield Gresham vs. Lansing Gresham vs. Odessa Gresham vs. Pompano Beach