Cost of Living: Washington, DC vs Cary, NC (2026)

Washington

District of Columbia
171
VS

Cary

North Carolina
135

Washington is 27% more expensive than Cary.

$1,900/mo ↑ 17%
Median Rent
$1,621/mo ↓ 15%
$106,287/yr ↓ 18%
Median Income
$129,399/yr ↑ 22%
$724,600 ↑ 38%
Home Value
$525,200 ↓ 28%
$2,103/mo ↑ 21%
Owner Costs
$1,744/mo ↓ 17%
672,079
Population
176,686

Tax Comparison

10.75%
Income Tax
4.5%
6.0%
State Sales Tax
4.75%
0.56%
Property Tax
0.8%

Affordability

21.5%
rent-to-income
Affordability
15.0%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Washington, DC and Cary, NC, the overall cost of living indices are 171 and 135 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $279/month cheaper in Cary, saving renters about $3,348/year.

Median household income is $23,112/year higher in Cary. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Washington is $724,600 compared to $525,200 in Cary.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington vs Cary — common questions

Is Washington or Cary cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Cary is cheaper to live in with an index of 135 compared to 171 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Washington and Cary?
Median rent in Washington is $1,900/month and in Cary it's $1,621/month — a difference of $279/month.
Which city has higher income, Washington or Cary?
Median household income is $106,287 in Washington and $129,399 in Cary. Median household income is $23,112/year higher in Cary.
How do taxes compare between District of Columbia and North Carolina?
District of Columbia has 10.75% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.56% property tax. North Carolina has 4.5% income tax, 4.75% sales tax, and 0.8% property tax.
Should I move to Washington or Cary?
It depends on your priorities. Washington has a cost index of 171 with median rent of $1,900/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 Washington details → View Cary details →

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