Median rent is 22% lower in Jacksonville ($1,268/mo vs $1,621/mo). Buying is cheaper in Jacksonville, where the median home runs $191,700 versus $525,200. Households earn more in Cary ($129,399 vs $54,069 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
Jacksonville, NC
How much would you need to earn in Jacksonville, NC to maintain your standard of living from Cary, NC?
Equivalent salary in Jacksonville, NC
$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
Jacksonville
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 Jacksonville — median rent of $1,268/mo versus $1,621/mo in Cary, a 22% difference. Home buyers face a steeper market in Cary: the median home is $525,200 versus $191,700 in Jacksonville — 63% 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 4.50% in North Carolina, so Jacksonville is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.75% in North Carolina; Jacksonville has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Cary
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Jacksonville
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Air quality data is available for Cary (avg AQI 54.0) but not yet for Jacksonville.
Pick Cary if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,399/yr).
Pick Jacksonville if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,268/mo median).
Is Cary cheaper than Jacksonville?
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 Jacksonville?
Median rent is $1,621/mo in Cary, NC and $1,268/mo in Jacksonville, NC. Jacksonville, NC has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Cary or Jacksonville?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary, NC and $54,069 in Jacksonville, 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 — Cary or Jacksonville?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Jacksonville, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville, 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