Cost of Living: Cary, NC vs Westminster, CO (2026)

Cary

North Carolina
135
VS

Westminster

Colorado
139

Cary is 3% cheaper than Westminster.

$1,621/mo ↓ 11%
Median Rent
$1,816/mo ↑ 12%
$129,399/yr ↑ 35%
Median Income
$96,145/yr ↓ 26%
$525,200 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$497,400 ↓ 5%
$1,744/mo ↓ 5%
Owner Costs
$1,841/mo ↑ 6%
176,686
Population
115,546

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.4%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
2.9%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.51%

Affordability

15.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
22.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Cary, NC and Westminster, CO, the overall cost of living indices are 135 and 139 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $195/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,340/year.

Median household income is $33,254/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Cary is $525,200 compared to $497,400 in Westminster.

Colorado has a lower income tax rate, making Westminster slightly more tax-friendly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Cary vs Westminster — common questions

Is Cary or Westminster 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 Westminster?
Median rent in Cary is $1,621/month and in Westminster it's $1,816/month — a difference of $195/month.
Which city has higher income, Cary or Westminster?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary and $96,145 in Westminster. Median household income is $33,254/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and Colorado?
North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax. Colorado has 4.4% income tax, 2.9% sales tax, and 0.51% property tax.
Should I move to Cary or Westminster?
It depends on your priorities. Cary has a cost index of 135 with median rent of $1,621/mo, while Westminster has a cost index of 139 with rent of $1,816/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Cary details → View Westminster details →

More Comparisons

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