Cost of Living: Orlando, FL vs Cary, NC (2026)

Orlando

Florida
115
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Orlando is 15% cheaper than Cary.

$1,650/mo ↑ 2%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 2%
$69,268/yr ↓ 46%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 87%
$359,000 ↓ 32%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 46%
$1,621/mo ↓ 7%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 8%
311,732
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.86%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

28.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orlando, FL and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 115 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $60,131/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orlando is $359,000 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Orlando vs Cary — common questions

Is Orlando or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Orlando is cheaper to live in with an index of 115 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orlando and Cary?
Median rent in Orlando is $1,650/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $29/month.
Which city has higher income, Orlando or Cary?
Median household income is $69,268 in Orlando and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $60,131/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?
Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Orlando or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Orlando has a cost index of 115 with median rent of $1,650/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.
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