Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Pembroke Pines, FL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Pembroke Pines

Florida
130

Cary is 4% more expensive than Pembroke Pines.

$1,621/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,910/mo ↑ 18%
$129,399/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$81,675/yr ↓ 37%
$525,200 ↑ 28%
Home Value
$411,700 ↓ 22%
$1,744/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,717/mo ↓ 2%
176,686
Population
170,557

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
28.1%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Pembroke Pines, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 130 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $289/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,468/year.

Median household income is $47,724/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $411,700 in Pembroke Pines.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Pembroke Pines — common questions

Is Cary or Pembroke Pines cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pembroke Pines is cheaper to live in with an index of 130 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Pembroke Pines?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Pembroke Pines it's $1,910/month — a difference of $289/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Pembroke Pines?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $81,675 in Pembroke Pines. Median household income is $47,724/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 Pembroke Pines?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Pembroke Pines has a cost index of 130 with rent of $1,910/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Pembroke Pines details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Pembroke Pines

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Garden Grove Pembroke Pines vs. Lancaster Pembroke Pines vs. Clarksville Pembroke Pines vs. Fort Collins Pembroke Pines vs. Oceanside Pembroke Pines vs. Springfield