Unaffordable

What Salary Do You Need to Live in Cary?

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cary, you need to earn at least $53,640/year based on estimated fair market rent data. The median household income here is $40,000, which means the typical resident is $13,640 below the threshold.

Census ACS Data Pop. 414

Salary Required by Bedroom Size

Bedroom	Monthly Rent	Monthly Income	Annual Salary	vs. Median
Studio	$939	$3,130	$37,560	$-2,440
1 Bedroom	$1,113	$3,710	$44,520	+$4,520
2 Bedroom BENCHMARK	$1,341	$4,470	$53,640	+$13,640
3 Bedroom	$1,636	$5,453	$65,440	+$25,440
4 Bedroom	$2,012	$6,707	$80,480	+$40,480

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

$40,000

Annual household

2BR Required Salary

$53,640

Under 30% rule

Income Gap

-$13,640

Deficit

Verdict

Unaffordable

Ratio: 40.2%

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$1,000

Studio

$939/mo

1 BR

$1,113/mo

2 BR

$1,341/mo

3 BR

$1,636/mo

4 BR

$2,012/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

Renting in Cary is unaffordable for most median earners. The $13,640 income gap means a 2-bedroom at $1,341/month requires significant above-median earnings or a dual-income household to be sustainable.

For those committed to Cary, the realistic options are: (1) target a studio at $939/month, which requires $37,560/year — closer to the median; (2) find a roommate for a 2-bedroom, cutting individual costs to ~$671/month; or (3) negotiate remote work and live in a more affordable Mississippi city.

To live comfortably in Cary without financial strain, you realistically need a household income of $80,460 or higher. This isn't just about rent — it accounts for Mississippi's overall cost of living including transportation, food, and healthcare.

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, Mississippi.

With a total population of 414, the city supports an active civilian workforce of 186 people. A strong employment base often indicates a stable economy, which is crucial when committing to a lease requiring a $53,640 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

186

Active civilian employees in Cary

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting in Cary

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

To afford a 2-bedroom in Cary under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of at least $53,640. The median household income in Cary is $40,000.

Can I afford a 2-bedroom in Cary on $40,000?

The affordability verdict for Cary is "Unaffordable". The rent-to-income ratio is 40.2%, meaning there's a $13,640 income gap.

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

The median gross rent in Cary is $1,113/month. With a median household income of $40,000, residents spend approximately 40.2% of their income on rent.

What salary do I need for a studio in Cary?

A studio in Cary rents for approximately $939/month. Under the 30% rule, you need an annual salary of $37,560 to afford this.

Is Cary considered an affordable place to live?

Based on the deficit of $13,640 and an affordability verdict of "Unaffordable", Cary is considered a unaffordable rental market when comparing the required 2-bedroom salary of $53,640 to the local median household income.

How Cary Compares

Other cities in Mississippi with salary requirements