Cost of Living in Cary, NC - Updated Prices & Insights

Solo nomad: Estimated monthly costs are $1,145 (excluding rent), and $3,030 including rent.

Family of 3: Estimated monthly costs are $3,444 (excluding rent), and $5,969 including rent.

Meal at Budget Restaurant

$17.64 $17.64

$8.59 $8.59

$39.20 $39.20

Three-Course Dinner for Two, Mid-Range

$99.0 $99.0

$80.1 $80.1

$105 $105

Fast Food Meal (McDonalds, etc)

$10.42 $10.42

$7.94 $7.94

$11.90 $11.90

Cappuccino

$4.99 $4.99

$3.92 $3.92

$7.85 $7.85

Coke/Pepsi/Fanta/Sprite (0.33 liter bottle)

$2.00 $2.00

$1.94 $1.94

$2.92 $2.92

Water (0.33 liter bottle)

$1.90 $1.90

$1.57 $1.57

$2.96 $2.96

Local Beer (0.5 liter draught)

$4.95 $4.95

$3.72 $3.72

$11.89 $11.89

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$6.62 $6.62

$5.88 $5.88

$9.81 $9.81

Milk (1 liter)

$1.16 $1.16

$0.76 $0.76

$2.17 $2.17

White Bread (500g)

$5.43 $5.43

$3.26 $3.26

$6.51 $6.51

Rice (white) (1kg)

$6.29 $6.29

$4.00 $4.00

$10.02 $10.02

Eggs

$4.64 $4.64

$3.49 $3.49

$5.53 $5.53

Local Cheese (1kg)

$20.74 $20.74

$11.75 $11.75

$26.67 $26.67

Chicken Fillets (1kg)

$12.30 $12.30

$8.65 $8.65

$21.61 $21.61

Beef Round Steak (1kg)

$17.34 $17.34

$13.00 $13.00

$26.05 $26.05

Apples (1kg)

$5.84 $5.84

$4.52 $4.52

$6.80 $6.80

Banana (1kg)

$1.84 $1.84

$1.04 $1.04

$3.40 $3.40

Oranges (1kg)

$4.26 $4.26

$2.92 $2.92

$5.48 $5.48

Tomato (1kg)

$6.50 $6.50

$3.44 $3.44

$8.19 $8.19

Potato (1kg)

$2.50 $2.50

$1.11 $1.11

$3.54 $3.54

Onion (1kg)

$3.47 $3.47

$1.95 $1.95

$5.42 $5.42

Lettuce (1 head)

$2.91 $2.91

$1.60 $1.60

$4.72 $4.72

Water (1.5 liter bottle)

$2.02 $2.02

$1.03 $1.03

$3.08 $3.08

Cigarettes 20 Pack (Marlboro, Camel)

$9.31 $9.31

$7.77 $7.77

$11.65 $11.65

Wine (Bottle)

$11.96 $11.96

$6.97 $6.97

$14.95 $14.95

Local Beer (0.5 liter bottle)

$2.32 $2.32

$1.71 $1.71

$3.52 $3.52

Imported Beer (0.33 liter bottle)

$5.07 $5.07

$4.05 $4.05

$7.11 $7.11

One-way Ticket (Public Transport)

$1.83 $1.83

$1.19 $1.19

$2.48 $2.48

Public Transport Monthly Pass (Regular Price)

$59.7 $59.7

$39.83 $39.83

$79.7 $79.7

Taxi Start (Normal Tariff)

$3.59 $3.59

$3.08 $3.08

$5.13 $5.13

Taxi (Normal Tariff) (1km)

$1.64 $1.64

$1.56 $1.56

$2.19 $2.19

Taxi 1hour Waiting (Normal Tariff)

$29.54 $29.54

$26.72 $26.72

$35.42 $35.42

Gasoline (1 liter)

$0.81 $0.81

$0.73 $0.73

$0.87 $0.87

Midsize Hatchback 1.4l (Volkswagen Golf, Toyota Prius, Honda Civic, etc)

$30.0K $30.0K

$24.0K $24.0K

$36.5K $36.5K

Compact Sedan 1.6l (Toyota Corolla, Mazda3, Kia K4, Hyundai Elantra, etc)

$28.6K $28.6K

$25.0K $25.0K

$28.9K $28.9K

Utilities for 2 People in 2-bedroom Apartment (Heating, Electricity, Gas, Water, Garbage) (85m2)

$171 $171

$156 $156

$213 $213

SIM Card Monthly Plan (Calls and 10GB+ Data)

$49.49 $49.49

$42.91 $42.91

$64.9 $64.9

Internet (50+ Mbps, Unlimited Data)

$61.5 $61.5

$48.35 $48.35

$69.1 $69.1

Gym Membership (Monthly)

$75.3 $75.3

$58.8 $58.8

$86.3 $86.3

Cinema Ticket

$13.61 $13.61

$11.88 $11.88

$14.85 $14.85

Preschool or Kindergarten, Full Day, Private, 1 Child (Monthly)

$1,489 $1,489

$1,355 $1,355

$1,706 $1,706

International Primary School, 1 Child (Yearly)

$23.2K $23.2K

$16.6K $16.6K

$26.9K $26.9K

Jeans (Levis 501 Or Similar)

$48.27 $48.27

$24.14 $24.14

$70.4 $70.4

Summer Dress (H&M, Zara, etc)

$32.42 $32.42

$24.94 $24.94

$39.90 $39.90

Sport Shoes (Adidas, Nike)

$129 $129

$65.3 $65.3

$151 $151

Men's Leather Business Shoes

$136 $136

$83.4 $83.4

$189 $189

1-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$1,815 $1,815

$1,449 $1,449

$2,274 $2,274

1-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$1,617 $1,617

$1,415 $1,415

$2,022 $2,022

3-bedroom Apartment, City Center (Monthly)

$2,601 $2,601

$2,180 $2,180

$2,972 $2,972

3-bedroom Apartment, Outside City Center (Monthly)

$2,681 $2,681

$1,963 $1,963

$3,608 $3,608

Buy Apartment in City Center (m2)

$2,804 $2,804

$2,698 $2,698

$2,909 $2,909

Buy Apartment Outside City Center (m2)

$2,628 $2,628

$2,574 $2,574

$2,681 $2,681

Average Monthly Net Salary (After Tax)

$6,012 $6,012

20-Year Fixed Mortgage Interest Rate (Annual %)

6.31

6.7

CityCost data is based on AI and user input – minor inaccuracies may occur.

Last update: March 1, 2026

Cary, NC Median Internet Speeds (Updated December 2025)

Mobile

Mbps

Fixed Broadband

Mbps

The chart highlights the Precision Threshold for mobile and fixed broadband internet speeds, updated quarterly.

Digital Nomad Cost of Living Index

City tags:

🌎 North america

Cost of Living in Cary, NC - Frequently Asked Questions

Cost of Living in Cary, NC, United States varies by neighborhood and lifestyle. As a suburban city near Raleigh, you will enjoy reliable services, green spaces, and well rated amenities that keep daily expenses predictable without extreme highs. Value shows up when you choose mid range rentals with easy access to parks, groceries, and coworking hubs rather than chasing luxury. Transportation, dining, and healthcare feel solid yet not flashy, with options that suit different budgets. Seasonality around school calendars and local events can shift demand modestly. Tip: map a few preferred areas by commute, then balance rent, space, and access to essentials.

One can find a mix of housing styles, from apartment complexes to single-family homes, with options for short stays or longer arrangements near work or schools. For groceries and dining, you’ll find regional markets and familiar chains, plus seasonal farmers markets in good weather. Getting around typically benefits from a car, while some neighborhoods offer bike routes and regular bus service linking to Raleigh. If you freelance or remote-work, seek coworking spaces with flexible hours and friendly communities. The Cary, NC, United States living cost can guide where you settle as you balance rent with access to essentials. Tip: test a few neighborhoods on weekends before committing.

Quality of life in Cary centers on safety, green space, and reliable services. Build a simple budgeting framework by estimating housing, groceries, utilities, and transport, then compare neighborhoods based on commute, school zones, and amenities. Seasonality affects outdoor routines and energy use, so factor weather into energy planning and activity calendars. Neighborhood fit matters: look for access to trails, libraries, and local events that match your pace and social needs. If you rotate stays, keep a base area with good transit links and easy errands. Tip: set three non overlapping neighborhoods as test beds before renewing a longer lease.