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

Huntington Beach

California
227
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Huntington Beach is 68% more expensive than Cary.

$2,424/mo ↑ 50%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 33%
$119,885/yr ↓ 7%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 8%
$1,047,300 ↑ 99%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 50%
$2,436/mo ↑ 40%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 28%
196,010
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

24.3%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Huntington Beach, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 227 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $803/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $9,636/year.

Median household income is $9,514/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Huntington Beach is $1,047,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Huntington Beach vs Cary — common questions

Is Huntington Beach or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 227 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Huntington Beach and Cary?
Median rent in Huntington Beach is $2,424/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $803/month.
Which city has higher income, Huntington Beach or Cary?
Median household income is $119,885 in Huntington Beach and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $9,514/year higher in Cary.
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 Huntington Beach or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Huntington Beach has a cost index of 227 with median rent of $2,424/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 Huntington Beach details → View Cary details →

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