Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs South Fulton, GA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

South Fulton

Georgia
103

Cary is 31% more expensive than South Fulton.

$1,621/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,607/mo ≈ Same
$129,399/yr ↑ 58%
Median Income
$81,798/yr ↓ 37%
$525,200 ↑ 94%
Home Value
$270,600 ↓ 48%
$1,744/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,541/mo ↓ 12%
176,686
Population
109,157

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
5.49%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.0%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.92%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
23.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and South Fulton, GA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 103 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $47,601/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $270,600 in South Fulton.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs South Fulton — common questions

Is Cary or South Fulton cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, South Fulton is cheaper to live in with an index of 103 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and South Fulton?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in South Fulton it's $1,607/month — a difference of $14/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or South Fulton?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $81,798 in South Fulton. Median household income is $47,601/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Georgia?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Georgia has 5.49% income tax, 4.0% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or South Fulton?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while South Fulton has a cost index of 103 with rent of $1,607/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View South Fulton details →

More Comparisons

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