Cost of Living: Raleigh, NC vs Cary, NC (2026)

Raleigh

North Carolina
110
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Raleigh is 19% cheaper than Cary.

$1,468/mo ↓ 9%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 10%
$82,424/yr ↓ 36%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 57%
$377,800 ↓ 28%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 39%
$1,487/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 17%
470,763
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.5%
Income Tax
4.5%
4.75%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.8%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.4%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Raleigh, NC and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 110 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $153/month cheaper in Raleigh, saving renters about $1,836/year.

Median household income is $46,975/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Raleigh is $377,800 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

Both cities share the same state tax structure since they are in North Carolina.

Frequently Asked Questions

Raleigh vs Cary — common questions

Is Raleigh or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Raleigh is cheaper to live in with an index of 110 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Raleigh and Cary?
Median rent in Raleigh is $1,468/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $153/month.
Which city has higher income, Raleigh or Cary?
Median household income is $82,424 in Raleigh and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $46,975/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between North Carolina and North Carolina?
Both cities are in North Carolina and share the same state tax rates: 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Raleigh or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Raleigh has a cost index of 110 with median rent of $1,468/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 Raleigh details → View Cary details →

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