Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs The Woodlands, TX (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

The Woodlands

Texas
139

Cary is 3% cheaper than The Woodlands.

$1,621/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,792/mo ↑ 11%
$129,399/yr ↓ 8%
Median Income
$141,353/yr ↑ 9%
$525,200 ↑ 10%
Home Value
$479,400 ↓ 9%
$1,744/mo ↓ 13%
Owner Costs
$2,005/mo ↑ 15%
176,686
Population
116,916

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
15.2%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and The Woodlands, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $171/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,052/year.

Median household income is $11,954/year higher in The Woodlands. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $479,400 in The Woodlands.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs The Woodlands — common questions

Is Cary or The Woodlands cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 139 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and The Woodlands?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in The Woodlands it's $1,792/month — a difference of $171/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or The Woodlands?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $141,353 in The Woodlands. Median household income is $11,954/year higher in The Woodlands.
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 The Woodlands?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while The Woodlands has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,792/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View The Woodlands details →

More Comparisons

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