Cary, NC vs Wilmington, NC

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Wilmington is 24.3% cheaper than Cary. With a cost index of 102 vs 127, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Wilmington 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 $1,311/month in Wilmington — a 24% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Wilmington is more affordable at $350,300 median vs $525,200.

Median household income in Cary is $129,399 compared to $63,900 in Wilmington (+102.5%). 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 24.6% in Wilmington.