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

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Tyler

Texas
79

Cary is 71% more expensive than Tyler.

$1,621/mo ↑ 35%
Median Rent
$1,199/mo ↓ 26%
$129,399/yr ↑ 97%
Median Income
$65,527/yr ↓ 49%
$525,200 ↑ 143%
Home Value
$216,400 ↓ 59%
$1,744/mo ↑ 49%
Owner Costs
$1,170/mo ↓ 33%
176,686
Population
107,718

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
22.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Tyler, TX, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 79 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $422/month cheaper in Tyler, saving renters about $5,064/year.

Median household income is $63,872/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $216,400 in Tyler.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Tyler — common questions

Is Cary or Tyler cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tyler is cheaper to live in with an index of 79 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and Tyler?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Tyler it's $1,199/month — a difference of $422/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Tyler?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $65,527 in Tyler. Median household income is $63,872/year higher in Cary.
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 Tyler?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Tyler has a cost index of 79 with rent of $1,199/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Tyler details →

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