Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Stamford, CT (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Stamford

Connecticut
172

Cary is 22% cheaper than Stamford.

$1,621/mo ↓ 27%
Median Rent
$2,207/mo ↑ 36%
$129,399/yr ↑ 20%
Median Income
$107,474/yr ↓ 17%
$525,200 ↓ 15%
Home Value
$614,300 ↑ 17%
$1,744/mo ↓ 26%
Owner Costs
$2,358/mo ↑ 35%
176,686
Population
135,806

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
6.99%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.35%
0.8%
Property Tax
2.15%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
24.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Stamford, CT, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 172 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $586/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $7,032/year.

Median household income is $21,925/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $614,300 in Stamford.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Stamford — common questions

Is Cary or Stamford cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 172 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Stamford?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Stamford it's $2,207/month — a difference of $586/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Stamford?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $107,474 in Stamford. Median household income is $21,925/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Connecticut?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Connecticut has 6.99% income tax, 6.35% sales tax, and 2.15% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Stamford?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Stamford has a cost index of 172 with rent of $2,207/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Stamford details →

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