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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Pearland

Texas
121

Cary is 12% more expensive than Pearland.

$1,621/mo ↓ 8%
Median Rent
$1,759/mo ↑ 9%
$129,399/yr ↑ 15%
Median Income
$112,470/yr ↓ 13%
$525,200 ↑ 59%
Home Value
$330,900 ↓ 37%
$1,744/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,962/mo ↑ 12%
176,686
Population
125,983

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
18.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Pearland, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 121 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $138/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $1,656/year.

Median household income is $16,929/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $330,900 in Pearland.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Pearland — common questions

Is Cary or Pearland cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pearland is cheaper to live in with an index of 121 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Pearland?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Pearland it's $1,759/month — a difference of $138/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Pearland?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $112,470 in Pearland. Median household income is $16,929/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 Pearland?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Pearland has a cost index of 121 with rent of $1,759/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Pearland details →

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