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Last updated: Feb 2026

NC Hub

Cary

Last updated: Feb 2026
Data Methodology

Cary is a mid-sized city in NC with a population of 160,514 residents. With a median home price of $410,029 (17% above the national median) and median household income of $62,694, Cary is considered somewhat expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 6.5x.

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Home Price
$410,029
Population
160,514
Nearby Cities
Cary
Housing

Housing & Real Estate

The real estate market in Cary features a median home price of $410,029, which is 17% higher than the U.S. national median of $350,000. Monthly rent averages $1,708, 14% above the national average. Over the past decade, rent has increased by 44%.

Median Home Price$410,029
Monthly Rent$1,708
Annual Housing Cost$7,889
Rent Growth (10yr)+44%

Demographics

Cary has a diverse population that represents a wide range of backgrounds, ages, and household types contributing to the city's vibrant community.

Population160,514
Median Age39.9 years
Household Size2.61
US Size Rank#228
Economy

Economy & Income

Cary offers a median household income of $62,694, which is 10% lower than the national median of $70,000. Residents spend approximately 33% of their income on rent annually, which may pose affordability challenges for some households.

Median Income$62,694
Unemployment Rate5.7%
Price to Income Ratio6.5x
Monthly Rent / Income33%

Safety & Quality of Life

420
Violent Crime per 100k
2087
Property Crime per 100k
2507
Total Crime per 100k

Climate & Weather

Understanding the climate of Cary is important for those considering relocating. Weather patterns affect daily life, activities, and overall comfort.

RegionNC
Climate TypeModerate
Climate data helps residents prepare for seasonal changes and plan their lifestyle accordingly. Consider visiting Cary during different seasons to experience the weather firsthand.
Climate

Popular Comparisons from Cary

See how Cary compares to other popular destinations. Compare cost of living, housing prices, and quality of life.

Cary vs New YorkNY
Cary vs Los AngelesCA
Cary vs ChicagoIL
Cary vs HoustonTX
Cary vs PhoenixAZ
Cary vs AustinTX
Cary vs San FranciscoCA
Cary vs SeattleWA
Cary vs DenverCO
Cary vs BostonMA

Frequently Asked Questions about Cary

What is the cost of living in Cary, NC?

The median home price in Cary is $410,029, with average monthly rent of $1,708. The median household income is $62,694, giving the city a price-to-income ratio of 6.5x.

Is Cary affordable?

Cary is considered expensive with a price-to-income ratio of 6.5x, above the national average of 5x.

What is the population of Cary?

Cary has a population of 160,514 residents, making it the #228 largest city in the United States.

How safe is Cary?

Cary has a violent crime rate of 420 per 100,000 residents, which is near the national average. The property crime rate is 2087 per 100,000 residents.

What is Estates?

Estates is a comprehensive cost of living comparison platform that helps you compare cities across the United States. We provide data on housing prices, rent, income, crime rates, demographics, and climate to help you make informed relocation decisions. Our data comes from trusted sources including Zillow, the U.S. Census Bureau, FBI, and NOAA.

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