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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Midland

Texas
99

Cary is 36% more expensive than Midland.

$1,621/mo ↑ 15%
Median Rent
$1,407/mo ↓ 13%
$129,399/yr ↑ 42%
Median Income
$91,169/yr ↓ 30%
$525,200 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$298,600 ↓ 43%
$1,744/mo ↑ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,468/mo ↓ 16%
176,686
Population
133,998

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
18.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Midland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 99 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $214/month cheaper in Midland, saving renters about $2,568/year.

Median household income is $38,230/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $298,600 in Midland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Midland — common questions

Is Cary or Midland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Midland is cheaper to live in with an index of 99 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Midland?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Midland it's $1,407/month — a difference of $214/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Midland?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $91,169 in Midland. Median household income is $38,230/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 Midland?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Midland has a cost index of 99 with rent of $1,407/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Midland details →

More Comparisons

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