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

Gilbert

Arizona
148
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Gilbert is 10% more expensive than Cary.

$2,028/mo ↑ 25%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 20%
$121,351/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 7%
$518,600 ↓ 1%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 1%
$1,908/mo ↑ 9%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 9%
271,118
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

20.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Gilbert, AZ and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 148 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $407/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $4,884/year.

Median household income is $8,048/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Gilbert is $518,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilbert vs Cary — common questions

Is Gilbert or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 148 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Gilbert and Cary?
Median rent in Gilbert is $2,028/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $407/month.
Which city has higher income, Gilbert or Cary?
Median household income is $121,351 in Gilbert and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $8,048/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 Gilbert or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Gilbert has a cost index of 148 with median rent of $2,028/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 Gilbert details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

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