North Carolina · Population 176,686 · Updated March 2026
How far your income goes in Cary
State-level tax rates that affect your costs
Cary has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 135 (where 100 equals the national median), Cary residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,621/month while earning a median household income of $129,399/year.
The median home value in Cary, NC is $525,200, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,744 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 15.0% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.
North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Cary.
Common questions about living costs in Cary