Salary & Cost of Living in Cary, NC
Cary, NC: $90,000 median salary, cost of living index 110, $7.25/hr minimum wage. Calculate your take-home pay with our free paycheck calculator.
Median Salary
$90,000
$43/hr
Cost of Living
110
US avg = 100
Minimum Wage
$7.25
per hour
Unemployment
2.2%
rate
Cary, NC Overview
Population
174,721
Median Salary
$90,000
Average Salary
$99,000
Avg Commute
24 min
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Rent
$1,700/mo
Job Growth
+3.2%
Sales Tax
7.25%
Cary is located in North Carolina with a population of 174,721. The median household salary is $90,000 per year ($43/hour), which is $30,616 above the national median of $59,384. The average commute time is 24 minutes, and the city has a job growth rate of +3.2%.
Cary Paycheck Calculator
Enter your annual salary to see your estimated take-home pay in Cary, NC, after federal, state, and local taxes.
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay
$67,876
$5,656.33/month · $2,610.62/biweekly · Effective Rate: 24.6%
Gross Pay
$90,000
Federal Tax
-$11,414
State Tax
-$3,825
Local Tax
$0
FICA
-$6,885
Net Pay
$67,876
Pay Breakdown
| Item | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Salary | $7,500.00 | $90,000.00 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$951.17 | -$11,414.00 |
| North Carolina State Tax (4.25%) | -$318.75 | -$3,825.00 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$465.00 | -$5,580.00 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$108.75 | -$1,305.00 |
| Net Take-Home Pay | $5,656.33 | $67,876.00 |
Salary Comparison: Cary vs Other Cities
See how Cary's median salary and cost of living compare to the national average and similar cities.
| City | Median Salary | COL Index | Adj. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cary, NC | $90,000 | 110 | $81,818 |
| National Average | $59,384 | 100 | $59,384 |
| White Plains, NY | $90,000 | 155 | $58,065 |
| Plano, TX | $90,000 | 110 | $81,818 |
| Washington, DC | $90,500 | 148 | $61,149 |
| Norwalk, CT | $88,000 | 140 | $62,857 |
Adjusted salary reflects purchasing power when cost of living is factored in. A higher adjusted salary means your money goes further.
Cost of Living in Cary
Cary's cost of living index is 110 (national average = 100). Living in Cary is 10% more expensive than the national average.
Median Home Price
$450,000
Median Monthly Rent
$1,700
Annual Rent Cost
$20,400
Your Salary's Purchasing Power
Your $67,876 annual take-home pay in Cary has the purchasing power of approximately $61,705 in an average-cost US area. You would need to earn $99,000 in Cary to match a $90,000 salary in an average-cost city.
Top Industries in Cary
Cary's economy is driven by these key industries. Workers in top industries often earn significantly above the median salary of $90,000.
Salary Tips for Cary Workers
- Research top industries. Cary's top industries include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance. Targeting roles in these sectors can help you earn above the $90,000 median salary.
- Review your W-4 withholding. If you regularly receive large tax refunds, adjust your W-4 to increase your per-paycheck take-home pay instead of giving the government an interest-free loan.
Explore Salaries Across the US
Compare salary data and cost of living for hundreds of US cities. Find out where your paycheck goes the furthest.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary in Cary, NC?
The median salary in Cary, NC is $90,000 per year, or $43 per hour. The average salary is $99,000. This is $30,616 above the national median of $59,384.
What is the cost of living in Cary, NC?
Cary's cost of living index is 110 (national average = 100), meaning it is 10% more expensive compared to the national average. The median home price is $450,000 and the median monthly rent is $1,700.
What are the best industries in Cary?
The top industries in Cary, NC include Technology, Pharmaceuticals, Finance. The city has a job growth rate of 3.2% and an unemployment rate of 2.2%. Workers in these industries often earn above the city's median salary of $90,000.
How does Cary's salary compare to other cities?
Cary's median salary of $90,000 is 51.6% above the national median of $59,384. However, when adjusted for cost of living (index: 110), the real purchasing power is approximately $81,818.
What is the minimum wage in Cary, NC?
The minimum wage in Cary, NC is $7.25 per hour. This equals approximately $15,080 per year for a full-time worker (40 hours/week). This matches the federal minimum wage of $7.25/hour.