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

Chandler

Arizona
134
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Chandler and Cary have a similar cost of living.

$1,806/mo ↑ 11%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 10%
$103,691/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 25%
$469,800 ↓ 11%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 12%
$1,743/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ≈ Same
278,123
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

20.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Chandler, AZ and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 134 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $185/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $2,220/year.

Median household income is $25,708/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Chandler is $469,800 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Chandler vs Cary — common questions

Is Chandler or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Chandler is cheaper to live in with an index of 134 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Chandler and Cary?
Median rent in Chandler is $1,806/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $185/month.
Which city has higher income, Chandler or Cary?
Median household income is $103,691 in Chandler and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $25,708/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Arizona and North Carolina?
Arizona has 2.5% income tax, 5.6% sales tax, and 0.62% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Chandler or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Chandler has a cost index of 134 with median rent of $1,806/mo, while Cary has a cost index of 135 with rent of $1,621/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Chandler details → View Cary details →

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