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

Glendale

Arizona
102
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Glendale is 24% cheaper than Cary.

$1,397/mo ↓ 14%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 16%
$70,139/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 84%
$347,000 ↓ 34%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 51%
$1,356/mo ↓ 22%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 29%
250,193
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

23.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Glendale, AZ and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 102 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $224/month cheaper in Glendale, saving renters about $2,688/year.

Median household income is $59,260/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Glendale is $347,000 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Glendale vs Cary — common questions

Is Glendale or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Glendale is cheaper to live in with an index of 102 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Glendale and Cary?
Median rent in Glendale is $1,397/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $224/month.
Which city has higher income, Glendale or Cary?
Median household income is $70,139 in Glendale and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $59,260/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 Glendale or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Glendale has a cost index of 102 with median rent of $1,397/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 Glendale details → View Cary details →

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