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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Roseville

California
168

Cary is 20% cheaper than Roseville.

$1,621/mo ↓ 23%
Median Rent
$2,099/mo ↑ 29%
$129,399/yr ↑ 10%
Median Income
$117,354/yr ↓ 9%
$525,200 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$630,600 ↑ 20%
$1,744/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$2,226/mo ↑ 28%
176,686
Population
152,438

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
21.5%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Roseville, CA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 168 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $478/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $5,736/year.

Median household income is $12,045/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $630,600 in Roseville.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Roseville — common questions

Is Cary or Roseville cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 168 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Roseville?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Roseville it's $2,099/month — a difference of $478/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Roseville?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $117,354 in Roseville. Median household income is $12,045/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 Roseville?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Roseville has a cost index of 168 with rent of $2,099/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Roseville details →

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