Sacramento, CA vs Cary, NC: 132 vs 135

$1,694/mo ↑ 5%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↓ 4%

$83,753/yr ↓ 35%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 55%

$484,600 ↓ 8%

Home Value

$525,200 ↑ 8%

$1,752/mo ≈ Same

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ≈ Same

524,802

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Sacramento, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 132 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $73/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $876/year.

Median household income is $45,646/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Sacramento is $484,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Sacramento vs Cary — common questions

Is Sacramento or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Sacramento is cheaper to live in with an index of 132 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Sacramento and Cary?

Median rent in Sacramento is $1,694/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $73/month.

Which city has higher income, Sacramento or Cary?

Median household income is $83,753 in Sacramento and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $45,646/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between California and North Carolina?

California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Sacramento or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. Sacramento has a cost index of 132 with median rent of $1,694/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.

Cost of Living: Sacramento, CA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Sacramento

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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