Median rent is 14% lower in Cary ($1,621/mo vs $1,879/mo). Buying is cheaper in Cary, where the median home runs $525,200 versus $879,500. Households earn more in Cary ($129,399 vs $80,366 a year). Taken together, Cary is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 98.3 against 113.3 — about 13% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Cary, NC.
Quick verdict
Cary is 13% cheaper overall
Cost index: 98.3 in Cary vs 113.3 in Los Angeles (US average = 100)
City A
Cary, NC
City B
Los Angeles, CA
How much would you need to earn in Los Angeles, CA to maintain your standard of living from Cary, NC?
Equivalent salary in Los Angeles, CA
$86,430
You'd need $11,430 more (15% 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
Los Angeles
California
👥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
Median rent is modestly lower in Cary at $1,621/mo compared to $1,879/mo in Los Angeles (14% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Los Angeles: the median home is $879,500 versus $525,200 in Cary — 40% 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 13.30% in California, so Cary is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 7.25% in California; Cary has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Cary
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Los Angeles
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
Cary has cleaner air on average: 54.0 AQI (Moderate) compared to 77.0 AQI (Moderate) in the other city. Lower AQI means cleaner, healthier air.
Pick Cary if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 98.3 vs 113.3).
Pick Cary if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,399/yr).
Pick Cary if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,621/mo median).
Pick Cary if you prioritize cleaner air quality (avg AQI 54.0).
Is Cary cheaper than Los Angeles?
Cary is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 113.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 13% lower in Cary.
How much is rent in Cary vs Los Angeles?
Median rent is $1,621/mo in Cary, NC and $1,879/mo in Los Angeles, CA. Cary, NC has the lower rent by about 14%.
Which has higher salaries — Cary or Los Angeles?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary, NC and $80,366 in Los Angeles, CA. 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?
Cary, NC has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 77.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Cary or Los Angeles?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and California's is 13.30%. Cary, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Los Angeles to match my Cary income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Cary, NC is equivalent to roughly $115,239 in Los Angeles, CA (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