Cary vs London
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026
Cary
London
The Verdict
The cost gap between these cities is 7.8%, with Cary being the more affordable option. A $75,000 income in Cary has equivalent purchasing power to $81,368 in London.
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 $81,368 in London.
Conversely, $75,000 in London equals $69,130 in Cary.
Living in Cary vs London
Housing Costs
Cary's housing index of 152 is lower London's 162, translating to median home prices of $500,000 vs $695,000. The $195,000 difference in home prices means roughly $12,672 per year in additional mortgage costs at current rates. Renters face a similar gap: $1,850/mo in Cary compared to $2,400/mo in London, a monthly difference of $550.
Grocery & Food Costs
Grocery expenses index at 101 in Cary and 92 in London. A household spending the national average of $475/month on groceries would pay approximately $480/month in Cary vs $437/month in London. London offers a meaningful advantage on everyday food costs, saving roughly $516/year.
Utility Expenses
Utility costs — electricity, gas, water, internet — index at 97 in Cary and 112 in London. Monthly utility bills average approximately $388 in Cary vs $448 in London. 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 78 in London. This encompasses insurance premiums, doctor visit copays, dental care, and prescription costs. The 35-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 $55,000 in London. After adjusting for local costs, purchasing-power-equivalent incomes are approximately $110,755 and $47,826 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 $1,283/month in London. In Cary, median rent of $1,850/mo fits within this budget. In London, median rent of $2,400/mo pushes past the recommended limit. The biggest category-level difference between these two cities is Transportation, where the gap is 36 index points — focus your budget analysis there.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving & Relocation Resources
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases