Cost of Living: Overland Park, KS vs Cary, NC (2026)

Overland Park

Kansas
111
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Overland Park is 18% cheaper than Cary.

$1,455/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 11%
$103,838/yr ↓ 20%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 25%
$384,400 ↓ 27%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 37%
$1,557/mo ↓ 11%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 12%
197,199
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

5.7%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
1.41%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

16.8%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Overland Park, KS and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 111 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $166/month cheaper in Overland Park, saving renters about $1,992/year.

Median household income is $25,561/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Overland Park is $384,400 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Overland Park vs Cary — common questions

Is Overland Park or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Overland Park is cheaper to live in with an index of 111 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Overland Park and Cary?
Median rent in Overland Park is $1,455/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $166/month.
Which city has higher income, Overland Park or Cary?
Median household income is $103,838 in Overland Park and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $25,561/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Kansas and North Carolina?
Kansas has 5.7% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 1.41% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Overland Park or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Overland Park has a cost index of 111 with median rent of $1,455/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 Overland Park details → View Cary details →

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