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

Ontario

California
152
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Ontario is 17% more expensive than Cary.

$1,916/mo ↑ 18%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 15%
$82,806/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 56%
$568,000 ↑ 8%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 8%
$1,967/mo ↑ 13%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 11%
178,347
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

27.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Ontario, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 152 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $295/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,540/year.

Median household income is $46,593/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Ontario is $568,000 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Ontario vs Cary — common questions

Is Ontario or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 152 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Ontario and Cary?
Median rent in Ontario is $1,916/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $295/month.
Which city has higher income, Ontario or Cary?
Median household income is $82,806 in Ontario and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $46,593/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 Ontario or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Ontario has a cost index of 152 with median rent of $1,916/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 Ontario details → View Cary details →