Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Independence, MO (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Independence

Missouri
67

Cary is 101% more expensive than Independence.

$1,621/mo ↑ 53%
Median Rent
$1,061/mo ↓ 35%
$129,399/yr ↑ 118%
Median Income
$59,480/yr ↓ 54%
$525,200 ↑ 216%
Home Value
$166,400 ↓ 68%
$1,744/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,046/mo ↓ 40%
176,686
Population
121,944

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.95%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.225%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.93%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
21.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Independence, MO, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 67 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $560/month cheaper in Independence, saving renters about $6,720/year.

Median household income is $69,919/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $166,400 in Independence.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Independence — common questions

Is Cary or Independence cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Independence is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Independence?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Independence it's $1,061/month — a difference of $560/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Independence?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $59,480 in Independence. Median household income is $69,919/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Missouri?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Missouri has 4.95% income tax, 4.225% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Independence?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Independence has a cost index of 67 with rent of $1,061/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Independence details →

More Comparisons

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