Is Tampa, FL cheaper than Cary, NC?

Based on cost of living data, Tampa, FL is 8.5% more expensive than Cary, NC. This translates to spending an extra $635 per month.

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

If you earn $150,000 in Cary, NC, you'd need approximately $157,619.683 in Tampa, FL to maintain the same standard of living.

How does housing cost compare between Cary, NC and Tampa, FL?

Housing in Tampa, FL is 24.3% more expensive than in Cary, NC. For a two-bedroom apartment, rent is $2,290/month in Tampa, FL compared to $1,473/month in Cary, NC.

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

Living in Tampa, FL costs approximately $635 more per month than Cary, NC, or $7620 more per year, based on a $150,000 salary.

Cary, NC vs Tampa, FL: 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 Cary, NC

Numbers update automatically as you type

You'd spend $635/month more in Tampa, FL

$150.0K in your current city equals $157.6K in Tampa, FL

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

Overall Cost

↑ 8.5%

More expensive

Monthly Impact

$635

Extra cost

Annual Impact

$7.6K

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

100 = national average

Median Home:$514K

Tampa, FL

Population:385K

Cost Index:

108

(8% above avg)

Median Home:$367K

Cary, NC

The Tar Heel State

180K

Population

State Tax

Yes

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

Tampa, FL

The Sunshine State

385K

Population

State Tax

No Income Tax

Climate

Humid subtropical

Notable Facts

•Major Tampa Bay area
•No state income tax
•Growing tech scene

Major Industries

FinanceTechnologyHealthcareTourism

Cost Breakdown by Category

Annual spending: Cary, NC vs Tampa, FL

Category	Cary, NC	Tampa, FL	Difference	Change
Housing	$2,175/mo	$2,703/mo	↑ $527more	24.3%
Other	$1,672/mo	$1,808/mo	↑ $136more	8.2%
Groceries	$949/mo	$1,019/mo	↑ $70.09more	7.4%
All Utilities	$541/mo	$574/mo	↑ $33.10more	6.1%
Transportation	$1,257/mo	$1,284/mo	↑ $27.00more	2.1%
Healthcare	$595/mo	$570/mo	↓ $24.63less	4.1%

Housing

↑ 24.3%

Cary, NC

$2,175

Tampa, FL

$2,703

Difference

$527

Other

↑ 8.2%

Cary, NC

$1,672

Tampa, FL

$1,808

Difference

$136

Groceries

↑ 7.4%

Cary, NC

$949

Tampa, FL

$1,019

Difference

$70.09

All Utilities

↑ 6.1%

Cary, NC

$541

Tampa, FL

$574

Difference

$33.10

Transportation

↑ 2.1%

Cary, NC

$1,257

Tampa, FL

$1,284

Difference

$27.00

Healthcare

↓ 4.1%

Cary, NC

$595

Tampa, FL

$570

Difference

$24.63

less

🏠Rent Comparison

Studio

From$1,281

To$1,850

↑ $569

1 Bed

From$1,344

To$1,960

↑ $616

2 Bed

From$1,473

To$2,290

↑ $817

3 Bed

From$1,847

To$2,930

↑ $1,083

Cary, NCZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,480–$1,750/mo

Tampa, FLZIP-level data

1BR range: $1,410–$2,550/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

$7,958

Monthly in Tampa, FL

$769

Difference

Home Values

Cary

Tampa

$514K

Median Value

$367K

↓ -2.1%

YoY Change

↓ -4%

↑ +44%

5-Year Change

↑ +42.1%

$481K - $548K

Price Range

$251K - $989K

Homes in Tampa are 29% less expensive than Cary

Calculate payment - Cary Calculate payment - Tampa

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

Tax Comparison

Annual tax burden comparison at $150.0K salary

Tax Savings

↑ $7.1K

Per year

Monthly Difference

$594

More take-home

Effective Rate Diff

4.7%

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

Tampa, FL

Federal Income Tax

Effective: 18.9%

$25.5K

Florida State Tax

No state income tax

FICA Taxes

Social Security + Medicare

$11.5K

Total Taxes

Effective: 24.7%

$37.0K

Take-Home Pay

$9,416/month

$113.0K

Additional Tax Information

Cary, NC Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.1%

Property Tax:0.8%

Tampa, FL Tax Rates

Sales Tax:7.2%

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.