San Antonio, TX vs Cary, NC: 82 vs 135

$1,258/mo ↓ 22%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↑ 29%

$62,917/yr ↓ 51%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 106%

$219,700 ↓ 58%

Home Value

$525,200 ↑ 139%

$1,235/mo ↓ 29%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↑ 41%

1,458,954

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Antonio, TX and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 82 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $363/month cheaper in San Antonio, saving renters about $4,356/year.

Median household income is $66,482/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Antonio is $219,700 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Antonio vs Cary — common questions

Is San Antonio or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, San Antonio is cheaper to live in with an index of 82 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Antonio and Cary?

Median rent in San Antonio is $1,258/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $363/month.

Which city has higher income, San Antonio or Cary?

Median household income is $62,917 in San Antonio and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $66,482/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between Texas and North Carolina?

Texas has 0% income tax, 6.25% sales tax, and 1.6% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to San Antonio or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. San Antonio has a cost index of 82 with median rent of $1,258/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: San Antonio, TX vs Cary, NC (2026)

San Antonio

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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