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

Laredo

Texas
67
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Laredo is 50% cheaper than Cary.

$1,001/mo ↓ 38%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 62%
$63,264/yr ↓ 51%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 105%
$182,400 ↓ 65%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 188%
$1,066/mo ↓ 39%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 64%
255,949
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

19.0%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Laredo, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 67 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $620/month cheaper in Laredo, saving renters about $7,440/year.

Median household income is $66,135/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Laredo is $182,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Laredo vs Cary — common questions

Is Laredo or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Laredo is cheaper to live in with an index of 67 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Laredo and Cary?
Median rent in Laredo is $1,001/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $620/month.
Which city has higher income, Laredo or Cary?
Median household income is $63,264 in Laredo and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $66,135/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 Laredo or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Laredo has a cost index of 67 with median rent of $1,001/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 Laredo details → View Cary details →

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