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Cost of Living in Cary

Cary, Illinois, United States · Population 17,923

▼ -16% vs United States average

Single person, monthly (incl. rent)$1,110
Couple, monthly$2,021
Family of four, monthly$2,664

Estimated Prices in Cary

ExpenseEstimated costBasis
Meal at an inexpensive restaurant$10.13per meal
Three-course meal for two, mid-range$40.50per meal
Cappuccino$3.04each
Monthly groceries (single person)$230per month
Monthly public transport pass$37.13per month
Basic utilities for an 85m² apartment$97.88per month
Internet (60 Mbps, unlimited)$28.35per month
Fitness club membership$28.35per month
Cinema ticket$7.43each
One-bedroom apartment in city centre$625per month
One-bedroom apartment outside centre$435per month
Three-bedroom apartment in city centre$1,304per month

Salary & Budget Planning

The estimated average net salary in Cary is $3,510 per month. To live comfortably — covering the full single-person budget of $1,110 with about 30% left over for savings — you would need a net income of roughly $1,443 per month.

Housing takes the largest share: rent for a one-bedroom outside the centre ($435) represents about 39% of the total single-person budget.

Compare Cary

Cary vs New YorkCary vs Los AngelesCary vs ChicagoCary vs MiamiCary vs HoustonCary vs Dallas

Nearby Cities

Crystal Lake

7 km away · Illinois

Algonquin

8 km away · Illinois

Lake in the Hills

8 km away · Illinois

Carpentersville

11 km away · Illinois

Wauconda

12 km away · Illinois

Barrington

12 km away · Illinois

Lake Zurich

14 km away · Illinois

McHenry

14 km away · Illinois

Other Major Cities in United States

New York

New York · pop. 19,268,388

$1,664 / mo

Los Angeles

California · pop. 11,984,083

$1,635 / mo

Chicago

Illinois · pop. 8,609,571

$1,635 / mo

Miami

Florida · pop. 6,391,670

$1,635 / mo

Houston

Texas · pop. 6,227,666

$1,635 / mo

Dallas

Texas · pop. 5,968,322

$1,635 / mo

Philadelphia

Pennsylvania · pop. 5,782,653

$1,635 / mo

Atlanta

Georgia · pop. 5,298,788

$1,635 / mo

Living in Cary

Cary is one of the key cities in United States. The estimated monthly cost of living for a single person is $1,110, placing it below the national average. Housing represents the largest expense, with a one-bedroom apartment outside the city centre costing around $435 per month.

For families, the estimated budget rises to $2,664 per month, driven mainly by larger housing needs and increased food and transport spending. Couples can expect to spend approximately $2,021 monthly.

The average estimated net salary in Cary is $3,510. To maintain a comfortable lifestyle with room for savings, a single person typically needs a net income of at least $1,443 per month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cary expensive to live in?
A single person needs an estimated $1,110 per month in Cary including rent outside the city centre. That is 16% less than the national average for United States.
What salary do you need to live comfortably in Cary?
A net salary of around $1,443 per month lets a single person cover all estimated expenses in Cary with roughly 30% left for savings. The estimated average net salary in Cary is $3,510.
How much is rent in Cary?
A one-bedroom apartment costs an estimated $625 per month in the city centre and $435 outside the centre. A three-bedroom in the centre runs about $1,304.
Is Cary cheaper than United States on average?
Yes — Cary is estimated to be about 16% cheaper than the United States average, making it a relatively affordable option in the country.
What is the cost of groceries in Cary?
Monthly groceries for one person are estimated at $230 in Cary. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs about $10 and a cappuccino runs around $3.
How do transport costs in Cary compare?
A monthly public transport pass in Cary is estimated at $37. Transport makes up a small share of the total budget compared to housing and food.
Figures for Cary are estimates based on United States national averages adjusted for city size (population 17,923). Last model update: July 2026. How we calculate.