Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs High Point, NC (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

High Point

North Carolina
73

Cary is 85% more expensive than High Point.

$1,621/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,062/mo ↓ 34%
$129,399/yr ↑ 111%
Median Income
$61,228/yr ↓ 53%
$525,200 ↑ 147%
Home Value
$212,400 ↓ 60%
$1,744/mo ↑ 61%
Owner Costs
$1,084/mo ↓ 38%
176,686
Population
115,263

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
20.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and High Point, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 73 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $559/month cheaper in High Point, saving renters about $6,708/year.

Median household income is $68,171/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $212,400 in High Point.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs High Point — common questions

Is Cary or High Point cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, High Point is cheaper to live in with an index of 73 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and High Point?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in High Point it's $1,062/month — a difference of $559/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or High Point?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $61,228 in High Point. Median household income is $68,171/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or High Point?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while High Point has a cost index of 73 with rent of $1,062/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View High Point details →

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