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

San Jose

California
254
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

San Jose is 88% more expensive than Cary.

$2,617/mo ↑ 61%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 38%
$141,565/yr ↑ 9%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↓ 9%
$1,187,800 ↑ 126%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 56%
$2,775/mo ↑ 59%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 37%
990,054
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
4.5%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

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

Detailed Comparison

When comparing San Jose, CA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 254 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $996/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $11,952/year.

Median household income is $12,166/year higher in San Jose. Home values also differ significantly — the median in San Jose is $1,187,800 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

San Jose vs Cary — common questions

Is San Jose or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 254 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between San Jose and Cary?
Median rent in San Jose is $2,617/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $996/month.
Which city has higher income, San Jose or Cary?
Median household income is $141,565 in San Jose and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $12,166/year higher in San Jose.
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 Jose or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. San Jose has a cost index of 254 with median rent of $2,617/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 San Jose details → View Cary details →

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