Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Surprise, AZ (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Surprise

Arizona
126

Cary is 7% more expensive than Surprise.

$1,621/mo ↓ 15%
Median Rent
$1,917/mo ↑ 18%
$129,399/yr ↑ 39%
Median Income
$93,371/yr ↓ 28%
$525,200 ↑ 33%
Home Value
$396,000 ↓ 25%
$1,744/mo ↑ 10%
Owner Costs
$1,587/mo ↓ 9%
176,686
Population
149,519

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
2.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
5.6%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.62%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Surprise, AZ, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 126 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $36,028/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $396,000 in Surprise.

Arizona has a lower income tax rate, making Surprise slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Surprise — common questions

Is Cary or Surprise cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Surprise is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Surprise?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Surprise it's $1,917/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Surprise?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $93,371 in Surprise. Median household income is $36,028/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Arizona?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Surprise?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Surprise has a cost index of 126 with rent of $1,917/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Surprise details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Cary and Surprise

Cary vs. Santa Rosa Cary vs. Salem Cary vs. Elk Grove Cary vs. Rancho Cucamonga Cary vs. Eugene Cary vs. Oceanside Surprise vs. Joliet Surprise vs. Naperville Surprise vs. Jackson Surprise vs. Pasadena Surprise vs. Escondido Surprise vs. Mesquite