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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Odessa

Texas
83

Cary is 63% more expensive than Odessa.

$1,621/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,322/mo ↓ 18%
$129,399/yr ↑ 77%
Median Income
$73,030/yr ↓ 44%
$525,200 ↑ 152%
Home Value
$208,000 ↓ 60%
$1,744/mo ↑ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,251/mo ↓ 28%
176,686
Population
114,080

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
21.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Odessa, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 83 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $299/month cheaper in Odessa, saving renters about $3,588/year.

Median household income is $56,369/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $208,000 in Odessa.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Odessa — common questions

Is Cary or Odessa cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Odessa is cheaper to live in with an index of 83 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Odessa?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Odessa it's $1,322/month — a difference of $299/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Odessa?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $73,030 in Odessa. Median household income is $56,369/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 Odessa?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Odessa has a cost index of 83 with rent of $1,322/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Odessa details →

More Comparisons

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