Category / Metric	Cary	Houston
Financial Overview
Median Income	$129,607	$62,637
Unemployment Rate	3.8%	4.8%
Housing Market
Median Home Price	$570,000	$335,000
Price per SqFt	$260	$175
Monthly Rent (1BR)	$1,176	$1,135
Housing Cost Index	104.0	106.5
Cost of Living
Groceries Index	96.5	103.4
Gas Price (Gallon)	$3.40	$2.35
Safety & Lifestyle
Violent Crime (per 100k)	89.0	912.4
Bachelor's Degree+	71.5%	37.1%
Air Quality (AQI)	34	44

Houston vs. Cary: The Ultimate Head-to-Head Showdown

You’re standing at a crossroads. On one path lies Houston, Texas—a sprawling, energy-rich metropolis where the skyline cuts through the humid air and opportunities are as vast as the state itself. On the other path lies Cary, North Carolina—a meticulously planned, affluent suburb nestled in the Research Triangle, known for its top-ranked schools and manicured parks.

Choosing between them isn't just picking a ZIP code; it's choosing a lifestyle. Are you chasing the big-city hustle or a polished, family-centric community? Let's cut through the noise and get real about where you should plant your roots.

The Vibe Check: Big City Grit vs. Suburban Polish

Houston is the quintessential American boomtown. It’s gritty, diverse, and relentlessly growing. The vibe is "live and let live." You’ll find world-class museums next to legendary taco trucks, and the energy industry fuels a high-earning but high-stakes economy. It’s a city for hustlers, foodies, and anyone who wants to feel the pulse of a major metro. Think "Fast-paced, diverse, and unapologetically big."

Cary is the picture of suburban perfection. Often called the "Suburb of the Future," it’s clean, safe, and family-oriented. Life here revolves around excellent schools, tech jobs at Research Triangle Park, and community events. It’s less about nightlife and more about soccer leagues and farmers' markets. Think "Laid-back, affluent, and meticulously planned."

Who is each city for?

Houston is for the ambitious professional, the budget-conscious foodie, and the city-lover who wants endless options without the price tag of NYC or SF.
Cary is for the established family, the tech or biotech worker, and anyone prioritizing safety, schools, and a quieter pace of life.

The Dollar Power: Where Does Your Salary Feel Bigger?

This is where the rubber meets the road. At first glance, Cary’s median income ($129,607) dwarfs Houston’s ($62,637). But we need to look at purchasing power. Let’s break it down with the data.

Cost of Living: Head-to-Head

Category	Houston, TX	Cary, NC	The Takeaway
Median Home Price	$335,000	$570,000	Houston wins decisively on housing cost.
Rent (1BR)	$1,135	$1,176	A near tie. Rent is surprisingly close, but Cary’s rental stock is pricier on average.
Housing Index	106.5	104.0	Both are above the national average, but Houston’s is slightly higher.
Median Income	$62,637	$129,607	Cary residents earn significantly more.
State Income Tax	0%	4.75% (NC)	This is the game-changer. Texas has no state income tax.

Salary Wars & Purchasing Power
Let’s run a scenario. You earn $100,000 after taxes in both cities.

In Houston: With 0% state income tax, your take-home pay is higher. Combined with a median home price of $335,000, your money stretches much further. You can afford a larger home or save more aggressively. The "bang for your buck" is exceptional.
In Cary: You’ll pay ~4.75% in state income tax, reducing your take-home pay. On top of that, the median home price is $570,000—a 70% premium over Houston. While salaries are higher, the cost of living, particularly housing, eats into that advantage. You’re paying more for a similar (or smaller) home.

Verdict: For the average earner, Houston offers superior purchasing power. Cary is more affordable for the high-income professional, but the barrier to entry (homeownership) is significantly steeper. If you’re not in a high-earning field, Cary can feel out of reach.

The Housing Market: Buy vs. Rent

Houston is a buyer's market with immense inventory. You can find everything from a downtown loft to a sprawling suburban home. The median price of $335,000 is accessible for many. The trade-off? Property taxes in Texas are notoriously high (often 2-3% of assessed value), which can add $7,000-$10,000+ annually to your housing costs. It’s a dealbreaker for some.

Cary is a competitive seller's market. Demand is fierce, driven by the Research Triangle's job growth. Homes often sell above list price, and inventory is tight. The median price of $570,000 reflects this. The upside? North Carolina’s property tax rate is much lower (~0.8%), so your monthly escrow payment will be less punishing than in Texas.

Renting is a viable short-term strategy in both, but Cary’s long-term rental market is tighter and more expensive.

Bottom Line: If you want to buy a home without a bidding war, Houston is your city, but brace for high property taxes. Cary offers a beautiful home in a top-tier community, but you’ll pay a premium and face intense competition.

The Dealbreakers: Quality of Life

This is where personal preference trumps data.

Traffic & Commute

Houston: Legendary. The city is built for cars, with massive interstates (I-10, I-45, I-59) that are often gridlocked. Average commute times are high, and public transit (Metro) is limited. Driving is a way of life.
Cary: Manageable. As a suburb, traffic is concentrated on key arteries like I-40 and NC-540. Commutes to Raleigh or Durham are reasonable. It’s far less stressful than Houston’s sprawl.

Weather

Houston: Hot and humid. Summers are brutal, with temperatures routinely hitting 95°F+ and humidity making it feel worse. Winters are mild (avg. 59°F), but the city is prone to flooding and the occasional hurricane threat.
Cary: Four distinct seasons. Winters are cool (avg. 46°F) with occasional snow. Summers are warm and humid but more tolerable than Texas. It’s a more traditional climate, but you’ll need a winter coat.

Crime & Safety

Houston: The data is stark. Violent crime is 912.4 per 100,000, which is significantly above the national average. Safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Research is non-negotiable.
Cary: One of the safest cities in America. Violent crime is 89.0 per 100,000, which is extremely low. This is a major selling point for families. The difference is night and day.

The Final Verdict: Who Wins Your Life Stage?

After weighing the data, the lifestyle, and the numbers, here’s the decisive breakdown.

🏆 Winner for Families: Cary

Why: Safety is the ultimate priority for families, and Cary is in a league of its own. Combined with top-ranked public schools (Wake County), abundant parks, and a strong community feel, it’s a no-brainer. The higher home prices are the cost of admission to this secure, high-quality environment.

🏆 Winner for Singles & Young Professionals: Houston

Why: The combination of 0% state income tax, a lower cost of living, and endless nightlife, dining, and cultural attractions is unbeatable. You can build a career, save money, and enjoy a vibrant social scene without the financial strain of a city like New York or San Francisco. The energy here is infectious.

🏆 Winner for Retirees: Cary

Why: While Texas has no income tax (a plus for retirees on fixed incomes), Cary’s lower property taxes, superior safety, and access to world-class healthcare (Duke, UNC, WakeMed) are compelling. The milder winters (compared to the Northeast) and active adult communities make it a more comfortable long-term choice. Houston’s humidity and hurricane risk can be hard on older residents.

Final Pros & Cons

Houston, Texas

Pros:

Unbeatable purchasing power and no state income tax.
Vibrant, diverse culture with world-class food and arts.
Major airport hub (IAH) for easy travel.
No state income tax boosts your take-home pay.
Large inventory of homes at various price points.

Cons:

High violent crime in many areas.
Brutal summer heat and humidity.
Notorious traffic and car-dependent sprawl.
High property taxes can negate the no-income-tax benefit.
Risk of flooding and hurricanes.

Cary, North Carolina