Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs West Valley City, UT (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

West Valley City

Utah
109

Cary is 24% more expensive than West Valley City.

$1,621/mo ↑ 12%
Median Rent
$1,445/mo ↓ 11%
$129,399/yr ↑ 46%
Median Income
$88,604/yr ↓ 32%
$525,200 ↑ 39%
Home Value
$377,300 ↓ 28%
$1,744/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,473/mo ↓ 16%
176,686
Population
137,955

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.65%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
6.1%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.58%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
19.6%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and West Valley City, UT, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 109 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $176/month cheaper in West Valley City, saving renters about $2,112/year.

Median household income is $40,795/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $377,300 in West Valley City.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs West Valley City — common questions

Is Cary or West Valley City cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, West Valley City is cheaper to live in with an index of 109 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Cary and West Valley City?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in West Valley City it's $1,445/month — a difference of $176/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or West Valley City?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $88,604 in West Valley City. Median household income is $40,795/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Utah?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or West Valley City?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while West Valley City has a cost index of 109 with rent of $1,445/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View West Valley City details →

More Comparisons

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