Cost of Living: Seattle, WA vs Cary, NC (2026)

Seattle

Washington
196
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Seattle is 45% more expensive than Cary.

$1,998/mo ↑ 23%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 19%
$121,984/yr ↓ 6%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 6%
$912,100 ↑ 74%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 42%
$2,220/mo ↑ 27%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 21%
741,440
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

0%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.5%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.92%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

19.7%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Seattle, WA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 196 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $377/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $4,524/year.

Median household income is $7,415/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Seattle is $912,100 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Seattle vs Cary — common questions

Is Seattle or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 196 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Seattle and Cary?
Median rent in Seattle is $1,998/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $377/month.
Which city has higher income, Seattle or Cary?
Median household income is $121,984 in Seattle and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $7,415/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between Washington and North Carolina?
Washington has 0% income tax, 6.5% sales tax, and 0.92% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Seattle or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Seattle has a cost index of 196 with median rent of $1,998/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 Seattle details → View Cary details →

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