Cost of Living in Cary, NC
Population 176,686 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Cary's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $129,399 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail.
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 $525,200 — 72% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,621/month, 23% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $129,399/year is 74% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.4%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 72.0°F and lows of 50.4°F, with about 5.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Cary has a cost of living index of 153 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 53% 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 56 | 63 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 91 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 34 | 40 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 50 | 40 | 34 |
| Precip" | 3.43 | 2.78 | 4.10 | 3.53 | 3.38 | 3.89 | 5.02 | 4.71 | 5.15 | 3.37 | 3.32 | 3.39 |
| Snow" | 2.6 | 1.4 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.8 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cary, NC?
Cary has a cost index of 153 (100 = national average). It is 53% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cary, NC?
The median gross rent in Cary is $1,621 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cary?
The median home value in Cary is $525,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cary?
The median household income in Cary is $129,399 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cary, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cary is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Cary, NC affordable?
Cary is above average in cost of living, with an index of 153 — about 53% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Cary?
Cary has average high temperatures of 72.0°F and average lows of 50.4°F. Annual precipitation is 46.1". Average annual snowfall is 5.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cary at a Glance
- Population
- 176,686
- Median Income
- $129,399
- Home Value
- $525,200
- Median Rent
- $1,621/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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North Carolina Rankings
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