Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Rochester, MN (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Rochester

Minnesota
93

Cary is 45% more expensive than Rochester.

$1,621/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,316/mo ↓ 19%
$129,399/yr ↑ 47%
Median Income
$87,767/yr ↓ 32%
$525,200 ↑ 83%
Home Value
$287,500 ↓ 45%
$1,744/mo ↑ 31%
Owner Costs
$1,332/mo ↓ 24%
176,686
Population
121,638

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.85%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.875%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.11%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
18.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Rochester, MN, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 93 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $305/month cheaper in Rochester, saving renters about $3,660/year.

Median household income is $41,632/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $287,500 in Rochester.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Rochester — common questions

Is Cary or Rochester cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Rochester is cheaper to live in with an index of 93 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Rochester?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Rochester it's $1,316/month — a difference of $305/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Rochester?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $87,767 in Rochester. Median household income is $41,632/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Minnesota?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Minnesota has 9.85% income tax, 6.875% sales tax, and 1.11% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Rochester?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Rochester has a cost index of 93 with rent of $1,316/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Rochester details →

More Comparisons

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