Median rent is 35% lower in Biloxi ($1,051/mo vs $1,621/mo). Buying is cheaper in Biloxi, where the median home runs $203,200 versus $525,200. Households earn more in Cary ($129,399 vs $55,958 a year). Taken together, Biloxi is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.2 against 98.3 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Cary, NC.
City A
Biloxi, MS
City B
Cary, NC
How much would you need to earn in Cary, NC to maintain your standard of living from Biloxi, MS?
Equivalent salary in Cary, NC
$75,083
You'd need $83 more (0% higher).
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Biloxi
Mississippi
Cary
North Carolina
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in Biloxi — median rent of $1,051/mo versus $1,621/mo in Cary, a 35% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Cary: the median home is $525,200 versus $203,200 in Biloxi — 61% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% versus 4.50% in North Carolina, so Cary is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.00% in Mississippi and 4.75% in North Carolina; Cary has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Biloxi
Income tax: 4.70%
Sales tax: 7.00%
Cary
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Cary (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Biloxi.
Pick Cary if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,399/yr).
Pick Biloxi if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,051/mo median).
Pick Cary if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.50%).
Is Biloxi cheaper than Cary?
Biloxi is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.2 versus 98.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Biloxi.
How much is rent in Biloxi vs Cary?
Median rent is $1,051/mo in Biloxi, MS and $1,621/mo in Cary, NC. Biloxi, MS has the lower rent by about 35%.
Which has higher salaries — Biloxi or Cary?
Median household income is $55,958 in Biloxi, MS and $129,399 in Cary, NC. Cary, NC has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Biloxi or Cary?
Mississippi's top income tax rate is 4.70% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Cary, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Cary to match my Biloxi income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Biloxi, MS is equivalent to roughly $100,111 in Cary, NC (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology