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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Round Rock

Texas
122

Cary is 11% more expensive than Round Rock.

$1,621/mo ↓ 5%
Median Rent
$1,713/mo ↑ 6%
$129,399/yr ↑ 33%
Median Income
$97,187/yr ↓ 25%
$525,200 ↑ 37%
Home Value
$383,700 ↓ 27%
$1,744/mo ↓ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,781/mo ↑ 2%
176,686
Population
124,288

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
21.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Round Rock, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 122 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $92/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $1,104/year.

Median household income is $32,212/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $383,700 in Round Rock.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Round Rock — common questions

Is Cary or Round Rock cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Round Rock is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Round Rock?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Round Rock it's $1,713/month — a difference of $92/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Round Rock?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $97,187 in Round Rock. Median household income is $32,212/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 Round Rock?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Round Rock has a cost index of 122 with rent of $1,713/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Round Rock details →

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