El Paso, TX vs Cary, NC: 67 vs 135

$1,041/mo ↓ 36%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↑ 56%

$58,734/yr ↓ 55%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 120%

$171,700 ↓ 67%

Home Value

$525,200 ↑ 206%

$1,044/mo ↓ 40%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↑ 67%

678,147

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing El Paso, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $580/month cheaper in El Paso, saving renters about $6,960/year.

Median household income is $70,665/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in El Paso is $171,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

El Paso vs Cary — common questions

Is El Paso or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, El Paso is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between El Paso and Cary?

Median rent in El Paso is $1,041/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $580/month.

Which city has higher income, El Paso or Cary?

Median household income is $58,734 in El Paso and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $70,665/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to El Paso or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. El Paso has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,041/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.

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

El Paso

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

More Comparisons