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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Richardson

Texas
128

Cary is 5% more expensive than Richardson.

$1,621/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,825/mo ↑ 13%
$129,399/yr ↑ 34%
Median Income
$96,257/yr ↓ 26%
$525,200 ↑ 29%
Home Value
$405,600 ↓ 23%
$1,744/mo ↓ 3%
Owner Costs
$1,796/mo ↑ 3%
176,686
Population
118,269

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
22.8%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Richardson, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 128 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $204/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,448/year.

Median household income is $33,142/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $405,600 in Richardson.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Richardson — common questions

Is Cary or Richardson cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Richardson is cheaper to live in with an index of 128 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Richardson?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Richardson it's $1,825/month — a difference of $204/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Richardson?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $96,257 in Richardson. Median household income is $33,142/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 Richardson?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Richardson has a cost index of 128 with rent of $1,825/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Richardson details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Richardson

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Richardson vs. Billings Richardson vs. Cambridge Richardson vs. Wilmington Richardson vs. North Charleston Richardson vs. Spring Hill Richardson vs. Clearwater