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Rent vs Buy in Cary, NC

Pre-filled with 2026 median data for Cary. Adjust any number to match your situation.

Median Home Price

$515,000

Median Rent/Month

$2,100

Property Tax Rate

0.84%/yr

Avg Appreciation

4.2%/yr

Adjust Your Numbers

$515,000
20% ($103,000)
$2,100
7.0%
7 years

Is It Worth Buying a Home in Cary, NC?

The decision to rent or buy in Cary, North Carolina depends on how long you plan to stay, your down payment, and current mortgage rates. With a median home price of $515,000 and median monthly rent of $2,100, the math plays out differently depending on your personal situation.

Cary has an average property tax rate of 0.84% annually, which adds approximately $361/month to the cost of homeownership on a median-priced home.

Historically, home values in Cary have appreciated at roughly 4.2% per year, which works in favor of buyers who plan to stay long-term. Use the calculator above to find your personal break-even point.

Key Factors for Cary Buyers

  • Down payment of 20% on a median home = $103,000
  • Monthly mortgage (30yr at 6.99%) ≈ $2,738/mo
  • Property tax ≈ $361/mo
  • Estimated maintenance ≈ $429/mo