Arlington vs Cary
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Arlington
Cary
💡 The Verdict
Arlington is 6% cheaper than Cary overall. A $75,000 salary in Arlington is equivalent to $79,688 in Cary.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Arlington (left) vs Cary (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Arlington versus Cary. Differences shown from Arlington perspective.
| Item | Arlington | Cary | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,000/mo | $1,020/mo | $-20.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,300/mo | $1,340/mo | $-40.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,650/mo | $1,790/mo | $-140.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.68 | $2.65 | +$0.03 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.87 | $3.62 | +$0.25 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.91 | $2.77 | +$0.14 |
| Coffee (latte) | $6.14 | $5.88 | +$0.26 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.46 | $3.45 | +$0.01 |
| Restaurant Meal | $12.56 | $16.45 | $-3.89 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Arlington has the same purchasing power as $79,688 in Cary.
Conversely, $75,000 in Cary equals $70,588 in Arlington.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
The $3451 difference is driven by North Carolina having a higher state income tax rate. Texas details → · North Carolina details →
Reading These Numbers: Arlington (96) vs Cary (102)
Arlington at 96 is 4% below the US average, while Cary at 102 is 2% above average. The cost difference between these cities is relatively modest.
In Arlington, the composite index of 96 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 86, followed by groceries (96), utilities (99), transportation (106), and healthcare (100). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,300/mo in Arlington and $1,340/mo in Cary, the annual rent difference is approximately $480.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $2,400.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $58,000.0 difference in median home prices between Arlington and Cary translates to meaningful differences in mortgage payments at current rates. Factor this into your budget alongside property taxes and insurance, which also vary by location.
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Making Your Decision: Arlington vs Cary
Choosing between Arlington and Cary involves more than just comparing index numbers. Consider how each category aligns with your personal spending patterns. If you work from home, transportation costs matter less than housing and utilities. If you eat out frequently, the groceries index may understate your actual food spending — look at the restaurant meal prices in the detailed comparison table above instead.
Beyond the numbers shown above, quality of life differences between Arlington and Cary can meaningfully affect your financial picture in ways the index does not capture. Commute time translates to fuel costs and vehicle depreciation. Climate affects utility bills seasonally. Access to public parks and free cultural venues reduces entertainment spending. Consider these secondary financial effects alongside the direct cost comparisons when making your final decision.