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

Houston

Texas
88
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Houston is 35% cheaper than Cary.

$1,313/mo ↓ 19%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 23%
$62,894/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 106%
$253,400 ↓ 52%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 107%
$1,316/mo ↓ 25%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 33%
2,300,419
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.6%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

25.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Houston, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 88 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $308/month cheaper in Houston, saving renters about $3,696/year.

Median household income is $66,505/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Houston is $253,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Houston vs Cary — common questions

Is Houston or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Houston is cheaper to live in with an index of 88 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Houston and Cary?
Median rent in Houston is $1,313/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $308/month.
Which city has higher income, Houston or Cary?
Median household income is $62,894 in Houston and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $66,505/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 Houston or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Houston has a cost index of 88 with median rent of $1,313/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 Houston details → View Cary details →

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