Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Richmond, CA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Richmond

California
161

Cary is 16% cheaper than Richmond.

$1,621/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,895/mo ↑ 17%
$129,399/yr ↑ 44%
Median Income
$90,038/yr ↓ 30%
$525,200 ↓ 19%
Home Value
$650,100 ↑ 24%
$1,744/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,015/mo ↑ 16%
176,686
Population
115,396

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
13.3%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
7.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.71%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
25.3%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Richmond, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 161 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $39,361/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $650,100 in Richmond.

North Carolina has a lower income tax rate, making Cary slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Richmond — common questions

Is Cary or Richmond cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 161 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Richmond?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Richmond it's $1,895/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Richmond?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $90,038 in Richmond. Median household income is $39,361/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and California?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Richmond?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Richmond has a cost index of 161 with rent of $1,895/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Richmond details →

More Comparisons

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