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

Tacoma

Washington
126
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Tacoma is 7% cheaper than Cary.

$1,597/mo ↓ 1%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↑ 2%
$83,857/yr ↓ 35%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 54%
$454,600 ↓ 13%
Home Value
$525,200 ↑ 16%
$1,747/mo ≈ Same
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ≈ Same
220,482
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

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

Affordability

22.9%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tacoma, WA and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 126 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is comparable in both cities, with less than $50/month separating them.

Median household income is $45,542/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tacoma is $454,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tacoma vs Cary — common questions

Is Tacoma or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Tacoma is cheaper to live in with an index of 126 compared to 135 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Tacoma and Cary?
Median rent in Tacoma is $1,597/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $24/month.
Which city has higher income, Tacoma or Cary?
Median household income is $83,857 in Tacoma and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $45,542/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 Tacoma or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Tacoma has a cost index of 126 with median rent of $1,597/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 Tacoma details → View Cary details →

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