Cary, NC vs Durham, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Durham is 19.4% cheaper than Cary. With a cost index of 106 vs 127, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Durham to Cary should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Cary is $1,621/month compared to $1,412/month in Durham — a 15% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Durham is more affordable at $355,300 median vs $525,200.

Median household income in Cary is $129,399 compared to $79,234 in Durham (+63.3%). While Cary is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Cary spend roughly 15% of their income on rent, less than the 21.4% in Durham.