Cost of Living in Cary, IL
Population 17,875 · Illinois · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Cary sits on the smaller end of the Illinois city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible.
Geographically, Cary sits roughly 13 miles northeast of Elgin. Median home values run roughly 14% higher than Elgin's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cary
The median home value in Cary is $287,000 — 6% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,456/month, 11% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $109,790/year is 47% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.1%, above the national average of 4.8%. Illinois's top state income tax rate is 5.0% and the combined sales tax is 8.7%. Overall, Cary has a cost of living index of 101 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 1% more expensive.
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cary, IL?
Cary has a cost index of 101 (100 = national average). It is 1% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cary, IL?
The median gross rent in Cary is $1,456 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cary?
The median home value in Cary is $287,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cary?
The median household income in Cary is $109,790 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cary, IL?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cary is 8.7%. The Illinois state income tax top rate is 5.0%.
Is Cary, IL affordable?
Cary is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 101 (100 = US average).
Cary at a Glance
- Population
- 17,875
- Median Income
- $109,790
- Home Value
- $287,000
- Median Rent
- $1,456/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.1%
- Sales Tax
- 8.7%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Illinois Rankings
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