Cary vs Memphis
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Cary
Memphis
💡 The Verdict
Memphis is 18% cheaper than Cary overall. A $75,000 salary in Cary is equivalent to $61,765 in Memphis.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Cary (left) vs Memphis (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Cary versus Memphis. Differences shown from Cary perspective.
| Item | Cary | Memphis | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,020/mo | $720/mo | +$300.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,340/mo | $1,000/mo | +$340.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,790/mo | $1,300/mo | +$490.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.65 | $2.40 | +$0.25 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.62 | $3.74 | $-0.12 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.77 | $3.05 | $-0.28 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.88 | $5.47 | +$0.41 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.45 | $3.29 | +$0.16 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16.45 | $13.90 | +$2.55 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Cary has the same purchasing power as $61,765 in Memphis.
Conversely, $75,000 in Memphis equals $91,071 in Cary.
💼 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. North Carolina details → · Tennessee details →
Reading These Numbers: Cary (102) vs Memphis (84)
Cary at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Memphis at 84 is 16% below average. There is a meaningful cost gap between these two cities that affects day-to-day budgeting.
In Cary, the composite index of 102 reflects a weighted calculation where housing carries the most influence at 104, followed by groceries (96), utilities (92), transportation (106), and healthcare (94). Costs are fairly balanced across categories.
For renters: With median rents of $1,340/mo in Cary and $1,000/mo in Memphis, the annual rent difference is approximately $4,080.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $20,400.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $163,000.0 difference in median home prices between Cary and Memphis 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: Cary vs Memphis
Choosing between Cary and Memphis 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 Cary and Memphis 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.