Cost of Living: Eugene, OR vs Cary, NC (2026)

Eugene

Oregon
111
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Eugene is 24% cheaper than Cary.

$1,347/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 20%
$63,836/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 103%
$435,400 ↓ 17%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 21%
$1,421/mo ↓ 19%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 23%
177,520
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Eugene, OR and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $274/month cheaper in Eugene, saving renters about $3,288/year.

Median household income is $65,563/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Eugene is $435,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Eugene vs Cary — common questions

Is Eugene or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Eugene is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Eugene and Cary?
Median rent in Eugene is $1,347/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $274/month.
Which city has higher income, Eugene or Cary?
Median household income is $63,836 in Eugene and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $65,563/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Eugene or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Eugene has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,347/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 Eugene details → View Cary details →