Cost of Living: Salt Lake City, UT vs Cary, NC (2026)

Salt Lake City

Utah
117
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Salt Lake City is 13% cheaper than Cary.

$1,343/mo ↓ 17%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 21%
$74,925/yr ↓ 42%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 73%
$495,700 ↓ 6%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 6%
$1,394/mo ↓ 20%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↑ 25%
203,888
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

4.65%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.1%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.58%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Salt Lake City, UT and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 117 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $278/month cheaper in Salt Lake City, saving renters about $3,336/year.

Median household income is $54,474/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Salt Lake City is $495,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Salt Lake City vs Cary — common questions

Is Salt Lake City or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Salt Lake City is cheaper to live in with an index of 117 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Salt Lake City and Cary?
Median rent in Salt Lake City is $1,343/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $278/month.
Which city has higher income, Salt Lake City or Cary?
Median household income is $74,925 in Salt Lake City and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $54,474/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Utah and North Carolina?
Utah has 4.65% income tax, 6.1% sales tax, and 0.58% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Salt Lake City or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Salt Lake City has a cost index of 117 with median rent of $1,343/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 Salt Lake City details → View Cary details →

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