Cary, NC, US
One of America's safest cities with top schools, tech jobs, and Research Triangle access.
Overview
Cary is a city in NC with a population of 175,000. One of America’s safest cities with top schools, tech jobs, and Research Triangle access. Housing costs are close to the national average. Gardening thrives here — the 5b growing zone supports Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees. A large share of residents hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Last updated: September 12, 2026
Above Average vs US Avg (100)
Above Average
Household income
Job market health
Cary vs US Average
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.8%
- Sales Tax: 7.2%
Economy & Jobs
- Median Income: $90,000
- Unemployment: 2.8%
- Population: 175,000
Climate
- Sunny Days: 215/year
- Summer High: 88°F
- Winter Low: 32°F
- Farming Zone: USDA Zone 5b
Housing
- Median Home: $450,000
- 1BR Rent: $1500/mo
Cost of Living
Cary's cost of living index is 108 (US average = 100).
| Category | Cary | National Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall | 108 | 100 | +8.0% |
| Housing | 118 | 100 | +18.0% |
Data source: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
Housing Market
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $450,000 |
| Median Rent (1BR) | $1500/mo |
| Median Rent (2BR) | $1,875/mo |
| Price per Sq Ft | $300 |
Data source: Zillow Research, 2026
True Cost of Home Ownership
Utilities
Estimated monthly utility costs for a typical household in Cary:
| Utility | Estimated Monthly Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Electricity | $105 | Based on ~900 kWh/month typical US household usage |
| Heating & Cooling | $64 | Estimated based on local climate. Gas or electric |
| Cooling (AC) | $4 | Estimated based on local climate and electricity rates |
| Water | $50 | Includes sewer |
| Internet (100+ Mbps) | $70 | Broadband average |
| Garbage / Trash | $25 | Private service |
| Total Utilities | $318 | Monthly estimate (including heating & cooling) |
Data sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Remote Work Score
Cary scores —/100 for remote work readiness:
Climate
Cary has a varied climate with distinct seasons.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 52°F | 32°F | 2.5" |
| April | 73°F | 47°F | 2.8" |
| July | 88°F | 63°F | 1.5" |
| October | 68°F | 50°F | 2.2" |
Cool — many vegetables, some fruit trees
Natural Hazards
Cary faces the following natural hazards:
Summer heat waves.
Coastal areas affected by hurricanes.
Appalachian region with landslides.
Tornado risk.
Flash floods.
Wildfire risk in forested areas.
Winter storms.
Periodic drought conditions.
Based on historical records and geographic risk assessment.
Taxes
- State Income Tax: 4.75%
- Sales Tax: 7.25%
- Property Tax: ~0.82% of assessed value
Economy & Jobs
Major industries include technology, healthcare, education, and manufacturing. The unemployment rate is 2.8%.
Schools & Education
Data source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Demographics
The population of Cary is diverse. The figures below show the ethnic, educational, and religious composition of the local population.
Ethnicity
Education
Religion
Data source: US Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) (2023)
Important Disclaimer: All data on this page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, tax, or real estate advice. URCity and Northshore Press are not financial advisors, tax professionals, or real estate agents. Always consult qualified professionals before making relocation or financial decisions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cary, NC, US?
The cost of living index in Cary is 108, which is Higher the US national average of 100.
How much does it cost to buy a home in Cary?
The median home price in Cary is $450,000. The housing index is 118.
What is the average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment?
The average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment in Cary is approximately $1500/mo.
Does Cary, NC have income tax?
Cary is in NC, which has an income tax rate of 4.75%.
What is the climate like in Cary?
Cary enjoys approximately 215 sunny days per year. Summer highs reach around 88°F, while winter lows can drop to around 32°F.
Data Sources
- Cost of Living: Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER), 2026
- Housing Data: Zillow Research, 2026
- Income & Employment: US Census Bureau American Community Survey, 2024
- Utilities U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) 2024, EPA/AWWA water rate surveys, BroadbandNow
Data last updated: September 13, 2026. Data may not reflect current market conditions. Always verify with local sources before making relocation decisions.