Median rent is 46% lower in Jackson ($874/mo vs $1,621/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jackson, where the median home runs $94,700 versus $525,200. Households earn more in Cary ($129,399 vs $42,848 a year). Taken together, Cary is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 98.5 — about 0% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Cary, NC.
City A
Cary, NC
City B
Jackson, MI
How much would you need to earn in Jackson, MI to maintain your standard of living from Cary, NC?
Equivalent salary in Jackson, MI
$75,128
You'd need $128 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
Cary
North Carolina
Jackson
Michigan
👥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 Jackson — median rent of $874/mo versus $1,621/mo in Cary, a 46% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Cary: the median home is $525,200 versus $94,700 in Jackson — 82% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% versus 4.25% in Michigan, so Jackson is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 6.00% in Michigan; Cary has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Cary
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Jackson
Income tax: 4.25%
Sales tax: 6.00%
Air quality data is available for Cary (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Jackson.
Pick Cary if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,399/yr).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize cheaper rent ($874/mo median).
Pick Jackson if you prioritize lower state income tax (4.25%).
Is Cary cheaper than Jackson?
Cary is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 98.5 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Cary.
How much is rent in Cary vs Jackson?
Median rent is $1,621/mo in Cary, NC and $874/mo in Jackson, MI. Jackson, MI has the lower rent by about 46%.
Which has higher salaries — Cary or Jackson?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary, NC and $42,848 in Jackson, MI. 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 — Cary or Jackson?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and Michigan's is 4.25%. Jackson, MI has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Jackson to match my Cary income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Cary, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,171 in Jackson, MI (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