Affordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cary?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cary, you need to earn at least $62,600/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $107,158, which means the typical resident is $44,558 above the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 17,880

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$1,096	$3,653	$43,840	$-63,318
1 Bedroom	$1,299	$4,330	$51,960	$-55,198
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,565	$5,217	$62,600	$-44,558
3 Bedroom	$1,909	$6,363	$76,360	$-30,798
4 Bedroom	$2,348	$7,827	$93,920	$-13,238

Affordability Breakdown

Where the required salary line crosses above Cary's median income — housing becomes unaffordable for the typical resident.

Required Salary Median Income

Income vs. Rent Snapshot

Median Income

$107,158

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$62,600

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

+$44,558

Surplus

Verdict

Affordable

Ratio: 17.5%

The 30% Rule Calculator

Enter your annual salary to see what you can afford in Cary

Your Annual Salary

Pre-filled with Cary's median household income

Max monthly rent you can afford$2,679

Studio

$1,096/mo

1 BR

$1,299/mo

2 BR

$1,565/mo

3 BR

$1,909/mo

4 BR

$2,348/mo

Your salary is $0 above the median income in Cary.

Salary Comparison by Bedroom

Bars left of the marker line are affordable for Cary's median earner. Bars to the right require above-median income.

Affordable Above Median Median Income

What This Means If You're Moving to Cary

Cary, Illinois stands out as one of the more financially accessible housing markets in the state. The median household income of $107,158 significantly exceeds the $62,600 needed to comfortably afford a 2-bedroom at 30% of gross income — leaving a $44,558 annual surplus for savings, debt repayment, or lifestyle spending.

For remote workers or relocators evaluating Cary, a studio at $1,096/month offers an even more aggressive savings rate. Even a 3-bedroom at $1,909/month remains accessible for dual-income households earning above $76,360.

To live comfortably with room for non-housing expenses, a break-even salary of approximately $93,900 would position you well — though many residents in Cary manage on less given the favorable rent-to-income dynamics.

Economic Outlook

Local Job Market & Housing Dynamics

Affording rent isn't just about housing prices—it's heavily dependent on local employment opportunities and the strength of the job market in Cary, Illinois.

With a total population of 17,880, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 10,093 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $62,600 annual salary. The ratio of employed residents to the total population provides insight into the local economic health and competition for both jobs and housing.

Employed Workforce

10,093

Active civilian employees in Cary

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cary

What salary do I need to live in Cary, Illinois?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cary under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $62,600. The median household income in Cary is $107,158.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Cary on $107,158?

The affordability verdict for Cary is "Affordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 17.5%, meaning median earners have a $44,558 surplus.

What is the average rent in Cary compared to median income?

The median gross rent in Cary is $1,299/month. With a median household income of $107,158, residents spend approximately 17.5% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cary?

A studio in Cary rents for approximately $1,096/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $43,840 to afford this.

Is Cary considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the surplus of $44,558 and an affordability verdict of "Affordable", Cary is considered a affordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $62,600 to the local median household income.

How Cary Compares

Other cities in Illinois with salary requirements