2025 Compare Cities Cost of Living:
Cary, NC vs Surprise, AZ

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Highlights
Is it cheaper to live in Surprise or is it cheaper to live in Cary?
- Surprise is 6.8% more expensive than Cary.

Which city has more affordable housing, Surprise or Cary?
- Surprise housing costs are 21.5% less expensive than Cary housing costs.

Is Health Care more affordable in Cary or is Health Care more affordable in Surprise.
- Health related expenses are 2.4% less in Surprise.
 Cary, NCSurprise, AZUnited States
 Overall  Unlock113.0100
 Food & Groceries103.2  Unlock100
 Health  Unlock92.5100
 Housing157.0  Unlock100
 Median Home Cost  Unlock$413,400$338,100
 Utilities98  Unlock100
 Transportation  Unlock104.5100
 Miscellaneous110.0  Unlock100
100 = National Average (Below 100 means cheaper than the US average. Above 100 means more expensive.)
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Reviews for Cary    63 Reviews

Cary is up-and-coming “cool.” The downtown is revitalized and growing. The town takes urban planning very seriously. The home prices have definitely spiked in the last  More

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Over 8 years ago

I've lived in NY, CT, MA, and in Miami FL. Now here in Cary NC for the past 10 years. For what I want and need at this phase of my life, I really like it here! All the  More

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Over 8 years ago

As a Real Estate Agent, I consider Cary the most central location in the Triangle, it basically takes you twenty minutes to get to Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough,   More

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Reviews for Surprise    52 Reviews

I have lived in Surprise, Az. For the past 21 years. One of the best cities to live in Az. From the police department to maintaining the streets & freeways. One thing I  More

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I am an Arizona native - 55 years - and have lived in Surprise since 2003. I wouldn't live anywhere else! I have watched this place grow and prosper. It is very family  More

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Over 11 years ago

The city of surprise is a beautiful place. It would not be a good place to live however. They have a young eager police force. You are taking a BIG risk driving  More

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