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Cary, NC Utility & Living Guide
Cary is a town in Wake, Chatham, and Durham counties in the U.S. state of North Carolina and is part of the Raleigh-Cary, NC Metropolitan Statistical Area. According to the 2020 census, its population was 174,721, making it the seventh-most populous municipality in North Carolina, and the 146th-most
Monthly Utility Costs
$120/mo
$50/mo
$45/mo
$25/mo
$65/mo
Housing Market
| Rent & Property | |
|---|---|
| 1 Bedroom | $1200/mo |
| 2 Bedrooms | $1600/mo |
| 3 Bedrooms | $2100/mo |
| Median Home Price | $320,000 |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| Avg Childcare/mo | $1000 |
Cary’s housing market is competitive with steady demand due to its proximity to Raleigh and Research Triangle Park. Prices have risen over the past decade but remain more affordable than many major metros.
Cost of Living
105
+5% above national average
102
98
100
$1000
Tax Rates
| Tax Overview | |
|---|---|
| Total Sales Tax | 7.5% |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.2% |
| <p>State 4.75% + County 2% + City 0.75%</p> | |
North Carolina has a flat state income tax rate of 4.99% as of 2026.
Family & Relocation
50
6.5/10
$1000/mo
City Pulse
Public transit is limited but buses are accessible. Most families rely on cars.
- Bond Park
- Marbles Kids Museum
- Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve
Best Neighborhoods for Families
Household Budget Calculator
Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Cary based on your household profile.
📰 Live Local News
Cary has strict zoning laws and noise ordinances. Residents must follow HOA rules in many neighborhoods.
Financial Tools
- Income Tax CalculatorEstimate take-home pay by state
- Mortgage CalculatorMonthly payment estimator
- Affordability CalculatorHow much home can you afford?
- Childcare Cost EstimatorCompare daycare costs by city
- Retirement PlannerRetirement readiness check
- Car Lease CalculatorMonthly lease payment estimator
- Savings CalculatorGrow your emergency fund
- City Comparison ToolCompare cities side by side
Find Another City Guide
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📊 Cary — Census & Demographic Data
Official data from the US Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
☀️ Seasonal Utility Costs
Summer AC use can double electric bills, while winter heating costs are moderate due to mild temperatures. Spring and fall typically have the lowest utility costs.
🏛️ Local Tax Details
Cary property tax rate is 0.35 per $100 valuation. No local surtaxes beyond county rates.
👶 Family & Stroller Friendliness
8/10: Excellent sidewalk coverage, many parks with stroller-friendly paths, but limited elevator access in older buildings.
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