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

Los Angeles

California
187
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Los Angeles is 39% more expensive than Cary.

$1,879/mo ↑ 16%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 14%
$80,366/yr ↓ 38%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 61%
$879,500 ↑ 67%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 40%
$2,055/mo ↑ 18%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 15%
3,857,897
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

28.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Los Angeles, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 187 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $258/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,096/year.

Median household income is $49,033/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Los Angeles is $879,500 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Los Angeles vs Cary — common questions

Is Los Angeles or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 187 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Los Angeles and Cary?
Median rent in Los Angeles is $1,879/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $258/month.
Which city has higher income, Los Angeles or Cary?
Median household income is $80,366 in Los Angeles and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $49,033/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 Los Angeles or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Los Angeles has a cost index of 187 with median rent of $1,879/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 Los Angeles details → View Cary details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Los Angeles and Cary

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