Is Raleigh, NC cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Raleigh, NC is 2.1% more expensive than Cary, NC. This translates to spending an extra $161 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $151,933.1 in Raleigh, NC to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC?

Housing in Raleigh, NC is 13.5% more expensive than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $1,800/month in Raleigh, NC compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

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

Living in Raleigh, NC costs approximately $161 more per month than Cary, NC, or $1933 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Raleigh, NC: Cost of Living Comparison 2026

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Cost of Living Comparison 2026

📍 Cary, NC — ZIP-level rent data · COL adjusted from Raleigh, NC area

Current salary in Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $161/month more in Raleigh, NC

$150.0K in your current city equals $151.9K in Raleigh, NC

Rent data from HUD ZIP-level estimates · COL index from Raleigh-Cary, NC area

Overall Cost

↑ 2.1%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$161

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$1.9K

Per year

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

Cary, NC

Population:180K

Cost Index:100

Median Home:$514K

Raleigh, NC

Population:474K

Cost Index:102

Median Home:$512K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Raleigh, NC

The Tar Heel State

474K

Population

State Tax

Yes

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Research Triangle
•State capital
•Major university town

Major Industries

TechnologyResearchEducationGovernment

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Raleigh, NC

Category	Cary, NC	Raleigh, NC	Difference	Change
🏠Housing	$2,175/mo	$2,469/mo	↑ $294more	13.5%
📦Other	$1,672/mo	$1,707/mo	↑ $35.90more	2.1%
🚗Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $27.00more	2.1%
🛒Groceries	$949/mo	$959/mo	↑ $10.14more	1.1%
🏥Healthcare	$595/mo	$601/mo	↑ $6.35more	1.1%
⚡All Utilities	$541/mo	$546/mo	↑ $5.78more	1.1%

🏠Housing

↑ 13.5%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Raleigh, NC

$2,469

Difference

$294

📦Other

↑ 2.1%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Raleigh, NC

$1,707

Difference

$35.90

🚗Transportation

↑ 2.1%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Raleigh, NC

$1,284

Difference

$27.00

🛒Groceries

↑ 1.1%

Cary, NC

$949

Raleigh, NC

$959

Difference

$10.14

🏥Healthcare

↑ 1.1%

Cary, NC

$595

Raleigh, NC

$601

Difference

$6.35

⚡All Utilities

↑ 1.1%

Cary, NC

$541

Raleigh, NC

$546

Difference

$5.78

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$1,570

↑ $289

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,640

↑ $296

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$1,800

↑ $327

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$2,255

↑ $408

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Raleigh, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,400–$1,880/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.

$7,188

Monthly in Cary, NC

$7,567

Monthly in Raleigh, NC

$379

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Raleigh

$514K

Median Value

$512K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -0.5%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +38.2%

$481K - $548K

Price Range

$314K - $992K

Homes in Raleigh are 1% less expensive than Cary

Calculate payment - Cary Calculate payment - Raleigh

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

→ $0

Same taxes

Monthly Difference

Same take-home

Effective Rate Diff

0.0%

Rate difference

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

Raleigh, 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

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Raleigh, 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.