Salary Needed to Live in Cary as a Family
A family of four (2 adults, 2 children) needs approximately $62,180/year to live comfortably in Cary, NC — including 15% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$62,180
with 15% savings
Bare Minimum
$49,744
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$3,109
6% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Family in Cary
| Expense | Cary | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 3BR Apartment/House Rent | $281 | $209 | +34% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $67 | $44 | +52% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $25 | $28 | -11% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $39 | $44 | -11% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $222 | $223 | 0% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $56 | -7% |
| Childcare/After-school | $1,248 | $1,200 | +4% |
| Internet + Phones | $187 | $180 | +4% |
| Children Activities | $260 | $250 | +4% |
| Dining Out | $364 | $350 | +4% |
| School Supplies & Clothing | $208 | $200 | +4% |
| Healthcare Co-pays | $156 | $150 | +4% |
| Total Monthly | $3,109 | $2,934 | +6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$3,109
Target savings (15%):$686/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$3,795
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$62,180
Other Household Types in Cary
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a family with kids need in Cary?
A family with kids needs approximately $62,180/year ($5,182/month gross) to live comfortably in Cary with a 15% savings rate.
How much is rent for a family with kids in Cary?
A 3br apartment/house in Cary costs approximately $281/month, which is the largest single expense at 9% of the total budget.
Is Cary affordable for a family with kids?
Cary is roughly average for family with kids costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.