San Francisco, CA vs Cary, NC: 267 vs 135

$2,419/mo ↑ 49%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↓ 33%

$141,446/yr ↑ 9%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↓ 9%

$1,380,500 ↑ 163%

Home Value

$525,200 ↓ 62%

$2,620/mo ↑ 50%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↓ 33%

836,321

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Francisco, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 267 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $798/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $9,576/year.

Median household income is $12,047/year higher in San Francisco. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Francisco is $1,380,500 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Francisco vs Cary — common questions

Is San Francisco or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 267 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between San Francisco and Cary?

Median rent in San Francisco is $2,419/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $798/month.

Which city has higher income, San Francisco or Cary?

Median household income is $141,446 in San Francisco and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $12,047/year higher in San Francisco.

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 San Francisco or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. San Francisco has a cost index of 267 with median rent of $2,419/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 Francisco, CA vs Cary, NC (2026)

San Francisco

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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