Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Springfield, MA (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Springfield

Massachusetts
79

Cary is 71% more expensive than Springfield.

$1,621/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,114/mo ↓ 31%
$129,399/yr ↑ 152%
Median Income
$51,339/yr ↓ 60%
$525,200 ↑ 136%
Home Value
$222,700 ↓ 58%
$1,744/mo ↑ 37%
Owner Costs
$1,276/mo ↓ 27%
176,686
Population
154,751

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
9.0%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.25%
0.8%
Property Tax
1.15%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
26.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Springfield, MA, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $507/month cheaper in Springfield, saving renters about $6,084/year.

Median household income is $78,060/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $222,700 in Springfield.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Springfield — common questions

Is Cary or Springfield cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Springfield is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Springfield?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Springfield it's $1,114/month — a difference of $507/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Springfield?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $51,339 in Springfield. Median household income is $78,060/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Massachusetts?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Massachusetts has 9.0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Springfield?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Springfield has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,114/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Springfield details →

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