Cost of Living: Fremont, CA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Fremont

California
278
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Fremont is 106% more expensive than Cary.

$2,905/mo ↑ 79%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 44%
$176,350/yr ↑ 36%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↓ 27%
$1,289,400 ↑ 146%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 59%
$3,000/mo ↑ 72%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 42%
228,518
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Fremont, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 278 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,284/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $15,408/year.

Median household income is $46,951/year higher in Fremont. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Fremont is $1,289,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Fremont vs Cary — common questions

Is Fremont or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 278 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Fremont and Cary?
Median rent in Fremont is $2,905/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $1,284/month.
Which city has higher income, Fremont or Cary?
Median household income is $176,350 in Fremont and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $46,951/year higher in Fremont.
How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Fremont or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Fremont has a cost index of 278 with median rent of $2,905/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 Fremont details → View Cary details →

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