Cary, NC Utility & Living Guide

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Cary, NC Utility & Living Guide

Cary, NC offers a high quality of life with excellent schools, beautiful parks, and a thriving economy.

Last updated: June 26, 2026
Total Utilities$305/mo
1BR Rent$1200/mo
Sales Tax7.5%
COL Index105 (+5% above national average)
Family Score6/10
Median Home$320,000
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⚠️ Natural Hazard History — Cary
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💰 Budget Calculator
🔌 Utilities
🏠 Housing
📊 Cost of Living
💰 Taxes
👨‍👩‍👧 Families
🧮 Tools

Monthly Utility Costs

⚡ Electric

$120/mo

Duke Energy
🔥 Gas

$50/mo

N/A - Electric only
💧 Water

$45/mo

Town of Cary Water
🗑️ Garbage

$25/mo

Town of Cary Solid Waste Services
📶 Internet

$65/mo

Combined Average Overhead $305/month

Housing Market

Rent & Property
1 Bedroom$1200/mo
2 Bedrooms$1600/mo
3 Bedrooms$2100/mo
Median Home Price$320,000
Property Tax Rate1.2%
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

Overall COL Index

105

US national avg = 100
vs National Avg

+5% above national average

Groceries

102

Transportation

98

Healthcare

100

Childcare/mo

$1000

Tax Rates

Tax Overview
Total Sales Tax7.5%
Property Tax Rate1.2%
<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

Family Vibe Score
6/10
Safety Index

50

Higher = safer
School Rating

6.5/10

GreatSchools avg
Avg Childcare

$1000/mo

City Pulse

Population Trend
+15% (growing)
Political Climate
Purple (mix of Republican and Democratic voters)
Business Momentum
High with key industries in tech, healthcare, and education
Top Local Concerns
Traffic congestion, school overcrowding, rising home prices
🚌 Transit for Families

Public transit is limited but buses are accessible. Most families rely on cars.

🎡 Top Kid Attractions
  • 🎯
    Bond Park
  • 🎯
    Marbles Kids Museum
  • 🎯
    Hemlock Bluffs Nature Preserve

Best Neighborhoods for Families

Preston and MacGregor Downs are popular for families due to top-rated schools and amenities. Carpenter Village offers more affordable options with community pools and parks.

Household Budget Calculator

Estimate your real monthly cost of living in Cary based on your household profile.

Local Briefing & Neighborhood Pulse

Local Regulation Notice

Cary has strict zoning laws and noise ordinances. Residents must follow HOA rules in many neighborhoods.

Relocation Overview

Cary is benefiting from the growth of tech companies in the Research Triangle. Remote work trends have increased demand for suburban homes with home offices.

Live Local News

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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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