Is Cary, NC cheaper than Alexandria, VA?

Based on cost of living data, Cary, NC is 35.4% cheaper than Alexandria, VA. This translates to saving $2658 per month.

What salary do I need in Cary, NC to live like I do in Alexandria, VA?

If you earn $150,000 in Alexandria, VA, you'd need approximately $118,108.027 in Cary, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Alexandria, VA and Cary, NC?

Housing in Cary, NC is 59.8% cheaper than in Alexandria, VA. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,473/month in Cary, NC compared to $2,003/month in Alexandria, VA.

How much can I save per month by moving from Alexandria, VA to Cary, NC?

Moving from Alexandria, VA to Cary, NC could save you approximately $2658 per month, or $31892 per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Alexandria, VA vs Cary, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

Data: HUD rent estimates, BLS cost of living

Current salary in Alexandria, VA

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd save $2.7K/month moving to Cary, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $118.1K in Cary, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area

Overall Cost

↓ 35.4%

Less expensive

Monthly Impact

$2,658

Savings

Annual Impact

$31.9K

Per year

Based on monthly living costs (rent, groceries, utilities, transport, healthcare). Home purchase prices shown separately below.

Alexandria, VA

Population:155K

Cost Index:

100

100 = national average

Median Home:$674K

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:

(35% below avg)

Median Home:$514K

Alexandria, VA

The Old Dominion State

155K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in Virginia, this city has a population of 155K residents.

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Located in North Carolina, this city has a population of 180K residents.

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Alexandria, VA vs Cary, NC

Category	Alexandria, VA	Cary, NC	Difference	Change
Housing	$5,409/mo	$2,175/mo	↓ $3,234less	59.8%
Transportation	$1,824/mo	$1,257/mo	↓ $567less	31.1%
Groceries	$1,062/mo	$949/mo	↓ $112less	10.6%
Other	$1,766/mo	$1,672/mo	↓ $94.00less	5.3%
All Utilities	$500/mo	$541/mo	↑ $40.77more	8.2%
Healthcare	$622/mo	$595/mo	↓ $27.02less	4.3%

Housing

↓ 59.8%

Alexandria, VA

$5,409

Cary, NC

$2,175

Difference

$3,234

less

Transportation

↓ 31.1%

Alexandria, VA

$1,824

Cary, NC

$1,257

Difference

$567

less

Groceries

↓ 10.6%

Alexandria, VA

$1,062

Cary, NC

$949

Difference

$112

less

Other

↓ 5.3%

Alexandria, VA

$1,766

Cary, NC

$1,672

Difference

$94.00

less

All Utilities

↑ 8.2%

Alexandria, VA

$500

Cary, NC

$541

Difference

$40.77

Healthcare

↓ 4.3%

Alexandria, VA

$622

Cary, NC

$595

Difference

$27.02

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,744

To$1,281

↓ $463

1 Bed

From$1,797

To$1,344

↓ $453

2 Bed

From$2,003

To$1,473

↓ $530

3 Bed

From$2,529

To$1,847

↓ $682

Alexandria, VAZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,920–$2,900/mo

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

💡 Note: Rent prices are based on HUD Fair Market Rent data and represent median costs. Actual prices vary by neighborhood, amenities, and condition. Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents FY2026.

$11,182

Monthly in Alexandria, VA

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$3,993

Difference

Home Values

Alexandria

Cary

$674K

Median Value

$514K

↑ +0.4%

YoY Change

↓ -2.1%

↑ +14.6%

5-Year Change

↑ +44%

$433K - $1.03M

Price Range

$481K - $548K

Homes in Cary are 24% less expensive than Alexandria

Calculate payment - Alexandria Calculate payment - Cary

Source: Zillow Home Value Index (ZHVI), January 2026

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $1.2K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$104

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.8%

Rate difference

Alexandria, VA

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Virginia State Tax

Effective: 5.6%

$8.4K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 30.3%

$45.4K

Take-Home Pay

$8,718/month

$104.6K

Cary, NC

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

North Carolina State Tax

Effective: 4.8%

$7.1K

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 29.4%

$44.1K

Take-Home Pay

$8,822/month

$105.9K

Additional Tax Information

Alexandria, VA Tax Rates

Sales Tax:5.7%

Property Tax:0.8%

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

💡 Note: Tax calculations are estimates based on 2024/2025 tax brackets for single filers with standard deduction. Actual taxes may vary based on filing status, deductions, credits, and local variations.