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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Lehigh Acres

Florida
95

Cary is 42% more expensive than Lehigh Acres.

$1,621/mo ↑ 8%
Median Rent
$1,496/mo ↓ 8%
$129,399/yr ↑ 108%
Median Income
$62,330/yr ↓ 52%
$525,200 ↑ 100%
Home Value
$263,200 ↓ 50%
$1,744/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,330/mo ↓ 24%
176,686
Population
127,391

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
28.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Lehigh Acres, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 95 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $125/month cheaper in Lehigh Acres, saving renters about $1,500/year.

Median household income is $67,069/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $263,200 in Lehigh Acres.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Lehigh Acres — common questions

Is Cary or Lehigh Acres cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Lehigh Acres is cheaper to live in with an index of 95 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Lehigh Acres?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Lehigh Acres it's $1,496/month — a difference of $125/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Lehigh Acres?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $62,330 in Lehigh Acres. Median household income is $67,069/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 Lehigh Acres?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Lehigh Acres has a cost index of 95 with rent of $1,496/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Lehigh Acres details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Lehigh Acres

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Lehigh Acres vs. Lewisville Lehigh Acres vs. Columbia Lehigh Acres vs. Norman Lehigh Acres vs. Abilene Lehigh Acres vs. Fargo Lehigh Acres vs. Athens