Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Hampton, VA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Hampton

Virginia
88

Cary is 53% more expensive than Hampton.

$1,621/mo ↑ 20%
Median Rent
$1,346/mo ↓ 17%
$129,399/yr ↑ 91%
Median Income
$67,758/yr ↓ 48%
$525,200 ↑ 124%
Home Value
$234,100 ↓ 55%
$1,744/mo ↑ 29%
Owner Costs
$1,347/mo ↓ 23%
176,686
Population
137,334

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.75%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.3%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Hampton, VA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 88 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $275/month cheaper in Hampton, saving renters about $3,300/year.

Median household income is $61,641/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $234,100 in Hampton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Hampton — common questions

Is Cary or Hampton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hampton is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Hampton?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Hampton it's $1,346/month — a difference of $275/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Hampton?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $67,758 in Hampton. Median household income is $61,641/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Virginia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Virginia has 5.75% income tax, 5.3% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Hampton?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Hampton has a cost index of 88 with rent of $1,346/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Hampton details →

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