Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Killeen, TX (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Killeen

Texas
75

Cary is 80% more expensive than Killeen.

$1,621/mo ↑ 41%
Median Rent
$1,147/mo ↓ 29%
$129,399/yr ↑ 122%
Median Income
$58,339/yr ↓ 55%
$525,200 ↑ 168%
Home Value
$196,000 ↓ 63%
$1,744/mo ↑ 48%
Owner Costs
$1,176/mo ↓ 33%
176,686
Population
156,144

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.6%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Killeen, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 75 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $474/month cheaper in Killeen, saving renters about $5,688/year.

Median household income is $71,060/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $196,000 in Killeen.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Killeen — common questions

Is Cary or Killeen cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Killeen is cheaper to live in with an index of 75 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Killeen?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Killeen it's $1,147/month — a difference of $474/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Killeen?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $58,339 in Killeen. Median household income is $71,060/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Texas?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Killeen?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Killeen has a cost index of 75 with rent of $1,147/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Killeen details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Killeen

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Killeen vs. Lakewood Killeen vs. Kansas City Killeen vs. Macon Killeen vs. Springfield Killeen vs. Alexandria Killeen vs. Sunnyvale