Tampa, FL vs Cary, NC: 113 vs 135

$1,567/mo ↓ 3%

Median Rent

$1,621/mo ↑ 3%

$71,302/yr ↓ 45%

Median Income

$129,399/yr ↑ 81%

$375,300 ↓ 29%

Home Value

$525,200 ↑ 40%

$1,553/mo ↓ 11%

Owner Costs

$1,744/mo ↑ 12%

393,389

Population

176,686

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Tampa, FL and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 113 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $54/month cheaper in Tampa, saving renters about $648/year.

Median household income is $58,097/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Tampa is $375,300 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Tampa vs Cary — common questions

Is Tampa or Cary cheaper to live in?

Based on our cost index, Tampa is cheaper to live in with an index of 113 compared to 135 (US average = 100).

What is the rent difference between Tampa and Cary?

Median rent in Tampa is $1,567/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $54/month.

Which city has higher income, Tampa or Cary?

Median household income is $71,302 in Tampa and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $58,097/year higher in Cary.

How do taxes compare between Florida and North Carolina?

Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.

Should I move to Tampa or Cary?

It depends on your priorities. Tampa has a cost index of 113 with median rent of $1,567/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: Tampa, FL vs Cary, NC (2026)

Tampa

Cary

Tax Comparison

Affordability

Detailed Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

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