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

Modesto

California
120
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Modesto is 11% cheaper than Cary.

$1,609/mo ≈ Same
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ≈ Same
$77,899/yr ↓ 40%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 66%
$415,600 ↓ 21%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 26%
$1,613/mo ↓ 8%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 8%
218,614
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

24.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Modesto, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 120 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $51,500/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Modesto is $415,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Modesto vs Cary — common questions

Is Modesto or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Modesto is cheaper to live in with an index of 120 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Modesto and Cary?
Median rent in Modesto is $1,609/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $12/month.
Which city has higher income, Modesto or Cary?
Median household income is $77,899 in Modesto and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $51,500/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 Modesto or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Modesto has a cost index of 120 with median rent of $1,609/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 Modesto details → View Cary details →

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