Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Hollywood, FL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Hollywood

Florida
113

Cary is 19% more expensive than Hollywood.

$1,621/mo ↑ 4%
Median Rent
$1,555/mo ↓ 4%
$129,399/yr ↑ 98%
Median Income
$65,359/yr ↓ 49%
$525,200 ↑ 40%
Home Value
$374,200 ↓ 29%
$1,744/mo ↑ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,568/mo ↓ 10%
176,686
Population
152,935

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Hollywood, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 113 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $66/month cheaper in Hollywood, saving renters about $792/year.

Median household income is $64,040/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $374,200 in Hollywood.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Hollywood residents a significant tax advantage over North Carolina's 4.5% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Hollywood — common questions

Is Cary or Hollywood cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Hollywood is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Hollywood?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Hollywood it's $1,555/month — a difference of $66/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Hollywood?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $65,359 in Hollywood. Median household income is $64,040/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Florida?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Hollywood?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Hollywood has a cost index of 113 with rent of $1,555/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Hollywood details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Hollywood

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Hollywood vs. Sunnyvale Hollywood vs. Roseville Hollywood vs. Springfield Hollywood vs. Charleston Hollywood vs. Kansas City Hollywood vs. Bellevue