Cost of Living: Reno, NV vs Cary, NC (2026)

Reno

Nevada
122
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Reno is 10% cheaper than Cary.

$1,453/mo ↓ 10%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 12%
$78,448/yr ↓ 39%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 65%
$498,600 ↓ 5%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 5%
$1,482/mo ↓ 15%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 18%
268,959
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.85%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.53%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

22.2%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Reno, NV and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 122 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $168/month cheaper in Reno, saving renters about $2,016/year.

Median household income is $50,951/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Reno is $498,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Reno vs Cary — common questions

Is Reno or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Reno is cheaper to live in with an index of 122 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Reno and Cary?
Median rent in Reno is $1,453/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $168/month.
Which city has higher income, Reno or Cary?
Median household income is $78,448 in Reno and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $50,951/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Nevada and North Carolina?
Nevada has 0% income tax, 6.85% sales tax, and 0.53% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Reno or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Reno has a cost index of 122 with median rent of $1,453/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 Reno details → View Cary details →

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