Cost of Living: Portland, OR vs Cary, NC (2026)

Portland

Oregon
138
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Portland is 2% more expensive than Cary.

$1,596/mo ↓ 2%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 2%
$88,792/yr ↓ 31%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 46%
$557,600 ↑ 6%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 6%
$1,771/mo ↑ 2%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 2%
642,715
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

9.9%
Income Tax
4.5%
0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.93%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.6%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Portland, OR and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 138 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $40,607/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Portland is $557,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Portland vs Cary — common questions

Is Portland or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 138 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Portland and Cary?
Median rent in Portland is $1,596/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $25/month.
Which city has higher income, Portland or Cary?
Median household income is $88,792 in Portland and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $40,607/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Oregon and North Carolina?
Oregon has 9.9% income tax, 0% sales tax, and 0.93% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Portland or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Portland has a cost index of 138 with median rent of $1,596/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 Portland details → View Cary details →

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