Raleigh vs Cary: Cost of Living

3%

Cary is about 3% more expensive than Raleigh overall.

How Raleigh Compares to Cary

Category by category

Renting ▼ 9%
Buying ▼ 31%
Goods about the same
Services about the same

Key Facts

RaleighCary
Median Rent$1,661/mo$1,820/mo
Median Home$450,300$649,600
Median Income$85,060$135,132
State Income Tax4.25% flat4.25% flat
Sales Tax7.25%7.25%

Housing: The Biggest Difference

Raleigh has the lower median home price by $199,300. Monthly rent is $159/month cheaper in Raleigh.

Compare With Your Salary

Sources: Housing from Census ACS 2024. Goods and services from BEA Regional Price Parities 2023. Taxes from Tax Foundation. Full disclaimer.

Raleigh vs Cary FAQ

Rent is $159/month cheaper in Raleigh. Raleigh's median rent is $1,661/month, while Cary's is $1,820/month. Source: Census ACS 2024.

Raleigh has the lower median home price at $450300, saving $199,300 compared to Cary. Source: Census ACS 2024.