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

Oakland

California
195
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Oakland is 44% more expensive than Cary.

$1,917/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 15%
$97,369/yr ↓ 25%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 33%
$924,700 ↑ 76%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 43%
$2,164/mo ↑ 24%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 19%
438,072
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

23.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Oakland, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 195 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $296/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,552/year.

Median household income is $32,030/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Oakland is $924,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Oakland vs Cary — common questions

Is Oakland or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 195 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Oakland and Cary?
Median rent in Oakland is $1,917/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $296/month.
Which city has higher income, Oakland or Cary?
Median household income is $97,369 in Oakland and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $32,030/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 Oakland or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Oakland has a cost index of 195 with median rent of $1,917/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 Oakland details → View Cary details →

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