Median rent is 9% lower in Raleigh ($1,468/mo vs $1,621/mo). Buying is cheaper in Raleigh, where the median home runs $377,800 versus $525,200. Households earn more in Cary ($129,399 vs $82,424 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (98.3).
City A
Cary, NC
City B
Raleigh, NC
How much would you need to earn in Raleigh, NC to maintain your standard of living from Cary, NC?
Equivalent salary in Raleigh, NC
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
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
Raleigh
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Raleigh at $1,468/mo compared to $1,621/mo in Cary (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Cary: the median home is $525,200 versus $377,800 in Raleigh — 28% 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 Raleigh is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.75% in North Carolina and 4.75% in North Carolina; Raleigh has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Cary
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Raleigh
Income tax: 4.50%
Sales tax: 4.75%
Both cities have similar air quality: Cary averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate) and Raleigh averages 54.0 AQI (Moderate).
Pick Cary if you prioritize higher median household income ($129,399/yr).
Is Cary cheaper than Raleigh?
Cary is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 98.3 versus 98.3 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Cary.
How much is rent in Cary vs Raleigh?
Median rent is $1,621/mo in Cary, NC and $1,468/mo in Raleigh, NC. Raleigh, NC has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Cary or Raleigh?
Median household income is $129,399 in Cary, NC and $82,424 in Raleigh, 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?
Raleigh, NC has better air quality on average: 54.0 AQI versus 54.0 AQI. Both are EPA AirNow annual averages; lower is better.
Which has lower taxes — Cary or Raleigh?
North Carolina's top income tax rate is 4.50% and North Carolina's is 4.50%. Raleigh, NC has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Raleigh to match my Cary income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Cary, NC is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Raleigh, 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