Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Pompano Beach, FL (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Pompano Beach

Florida
109

Cary is 24% more expensive than Pompano Beach.

$1,621/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,636/mo ≈ Same
$129,399/yr ↑ 103%
Median Income
$63,832/yr ↓ 51%
$525,200 ↑ 63%
Home Value
$321,900 ↓ 39%
$1,744/mo ↑ 14%
Owner Costs
$1,527/mo ↓ 12%
176,686
Population
112,212

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
30.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Pompano Beach, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $65,567/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $321,900 in Pompano Beach.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Pompano Beach — common questions

Is Cary or Pompano Beach cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Pompano Beach is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Pompano Beach?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Pompano Beach it's $1,636/month — a difference of $15/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Pompano Beach?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $63,832 in Pompano Beach. Median household income is $65,567/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 Pompano Beach?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Pompano Beach has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,636/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Pompano Beach details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Pompano Beach

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Pompano Beach vs. Lansing Pompano Beach vs. Peoria Pompano Beach vs. Las Cruces Pompano Beach vs. Downey Pompano Beach vs. Gresham Pompano Beach vs. Murrieta