Cary vs Raleigh
Cost of Living Comparison · 2026 Data
Cary
Raleigh
💡 The Verdict
Cary is 0% cheaper than Raleigh overall. A $75,000 salary in Cary is equivalent to $75,000 in Raleigh.
Category-by-Category Breakdown
Index values for Cary (left) vs Raleigh (right). National average = 100.
Detailed Price Comparison
Estimated item-level prices in Cary versus Raleigh. Differences shown from Cary perspective.
| Item | Cary | Raleigh | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-Bed Rent | $1,020/mo | $1,010/mo | +$10.00 |
| 2-Bed Rent | $1,340/mo | $1,500/mo | $-160.00 |
| 3-Bed Rent | $1,790/mo | $1,950/mo | $-160.00 |
| Bread (loaf) | $2.65 | $2.89 | $-0.24 |
| Milk (gallon) | $3.62 | $3.88 | $-0.26 |
| Eggs (dozen) | $2.77 | $3.31 | $-0.54 |
| Coffee (latte) | $5.88 | $5.93 | $-0.05 |
| Gas (gallon) | $3.45 | $3.37 | +$0.08 |
| Restaurant Meal | $16.45 | $18.36 | $-1.91 |
💰 Salary Equivalence
A $75,000 salary in Cary has the same purchasing power as $75,000 in Raleigh.
Conversely, $75,000 in Raleigh equals $75,000 in Cary.
💼 Take-Home Pay Comparison
Estimated annual take-home pay on a $75,000 salary after federal, FICA, and state income taxes.
Both states have similar effective tax rates on this salary level. North Carolina details → · North Carolina details →
Reading These Numbers: Cary (102) vs Raleigh (102)
Cary at 102 is 2% above the US average, while Raleigh at 102 is 2% above average. The cost difference between these cities is relatively modest.
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 $1,500/mo in Raleigh, the annual rent difference is approximately $1,920.0. Over a 5-year period, that compounds to $9,600.0 in savings by choosing the more affordable city.
For homebuyers: The $52,000.0 difference in median home prices between Cary and Raleigh 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 Raleigh
Choosing between Cary and Raleigh 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 Raleigh 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.