Cary vs Irving
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Cary
Irving
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 6.0%, with Irving being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Cary has equivalent purchasing power to $70,755 in Irving.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values · National average = 100 · Lower is more affordable
Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Cary has the same purchasing power as $70,755 in Irving.
Conversely, $75,000 in Irving equals $79,500 in Cary.
Living in Cary vs Irving
Housing Costs
Cary's housing index of 152 is higher Irving's 94, translating to median home prices of $500,000 vs $318,000. The $182,000 difference in home prices means roughly $11,832 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,850/mo in Cary compared to $1,350/mo in Irving, a monthly difference of $500.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 101 in Cary and 99 in Irving. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $480/month in Cary vs $470/month in Irving. The difference in grocery costs between these cities is relatively minor and unlikely to be a deciding factor in relocation.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Cary and 111 in Irving. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Cary vs $444 in Irving. Climate differences between the two cities drive much of this gap, with heating and cooling costs varying substantially by region.
Healthcare
Healthcare costs index at 113 in Cary and 103 in Irving. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 10-point gap reflects real differences in provider costs, insurance market competition, and regional healthcare infrastructure.
Income & Purchasing Power
Median household income is $117,400 in Cary and $73,400 in Irving. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $110,755 and $73,400 respectively. Cary residents enjoy stronger real purchasing power despite higher nominal wages.
Relocation Considerations
Under the standard 28% rule, a median-income household can allocate $2,739/month to housing in Cary vs $1,713/month in Irving. In Cary, median rent of $1,850/mo fits within this budget. In Irving, median rent of $1,350/mo remains manageable. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Housing, where the gap is 58 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases