Cary, NC vs Raleigh, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Raleigh is 15.2% cheaper than Cary. With a cost index of 110 vs 127, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Raleigh 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 $1,468/month in Raleigh — a 10% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Raleigh is more affordable at $377,800 median vs $525,200.

Median household income in Cary is $129,399 compared to $82,424 in Raleigh (+57%). 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 Raleigh.