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

Irvine

California
256
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Irvine is 90% more expensive than Cary.

$2,893/mo ↑ 78%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 44%
$129,647/yr ≈ Same
Median Income
$129,399/yr ≈ Same
$1,115,400 ↑ 112%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 53%
$2,904/mo ↑ 67%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 40%
308,160
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

26.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Irvine, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 256 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $1,272/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $15,264/year.

Median household income is $248/year higher in Irvine. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Irvine is $1,115,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Irvine vs Cary — common questions

Is Irvine or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 256 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Irvine and Cary?
Median rent in Irvine is $2,893/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $1,272/month.
Which city has higher income, Irvine or Cary?
Median household income is $129,647 in Irvine and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $248/year higher in Irvine.
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 Irvine or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Irvine has a cost index of 256 with median rent of $2,893/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 Irvine details → View Cary details →

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