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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Pasadena

Texas
76

Cary is 78% more expensive than Pasadena.

$1,621/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,201/mo ↓ 26%
$129,399/yr ↑ 101%
Median Income
$64,270/yr ↓ 50%
$525,200 ↑ 171%
Home Value
$193,600 ↓ 63%
$1,744/mo ↑ 53%
Owner Costs
$1,141/mo ↓ 35%
176,686
Population
149,345

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
22.4%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Pasadena, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 76 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $420/month cheaper in Pasadena, saving renters about $5,040/year.

Median household income is $65,129/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $193,600 in Pasadena.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Pasadena — common questions

Is Cary or Pasadena cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pasadena is cheaper to live in with an index of 76 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Pasadena?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Pasadena it's $1,201/month — a difference of $420/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Pasadena?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $64,270 in Pasadena. Median household income is $65,129/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 Pasadena?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Pasadena has a cost index of 76 with rent of $1,201/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Pasadena details →

More Comparisons

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