Rent in Cary, NC at a glance
2-bedroom rent (HUD)
$1,750$21,000 a year · HUD fiscal year 2026From October 1, 2026: $1,689 (−3.5%)How much rent can you afford in Cary, NC?
HUD’s fair market rent for each size, against what a typical household here earns. Change the income to see yours.
Rent in Cary, NC by bedroom, and the pay it takes
Income needed keeps rent at 30% of gross pay; the hourly figure assumes one full-time job, 2,080 hours a year.
| Size | A month | A year | Income needed | Hourly wage needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,524 | $18,288 | $60,960 | $29.31/hr |
| 1 bedroom | $1,596 | $19,152 | $63,840 | $30.69/hr |
| 2 bedroomsMost searched | $1,750 | $21,000 | $70,000 | $33.65/hr |
| 3 bedrooms | $2,196 | $26,352 | $87,840 | $42.23/hr |
| 4 bedrooms | $2,936 | $35,232 | $117,440 | $56.46/hr |
Living and working in Cary, NC
Rent in Cary, NC: common questions
How much is rent going down in Cary, NC in 2027?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for fiscal 2027, which takes effect October 1, 2026, is $1,689 for a two-bedroom, down 3.5% from $1,750. A one-bedroom goes from $1,596 to $1,552, a studio from $1,524 to $1,489.
These are HUD's estimates of what a typical recently rented unit costs, used for housing vouchers. A landlord's increase on your lease follows your lease and your state's rules, not this figure.
What is the average rent in Cary, NC?
HUD's Fair Market Rent for 2026 is $1,596 for a one-bedroom and $1,750 for a two-bedroom, utilities included. That is $21,000 a year for the two-bedroom.
It is not an average of current listings. HUD sets it at the rent 40% of recent movers paid or less for a standard unit, so asking rents on newer places usually run higher.
How much do you need to make to afford rent in Cary, NC?
To keep a $1,750 two-bedroom at 30% of gross pay, one full-time worker needs $33.65 an hour, or $70,000 a year. A one-bedroom at $1,596 takes $30.69 an hour.
How much is a 1, 2 or 3-bedroom apartment in Cary, NC?
At HUD's 2026 Fair Market Rent: studio $1,524, one bedroom $1,596, two $1,750, three $2,196 and four $2,936 a month.
Is rent affordable in Cary, NC?
For the typical household, earning $134,905 a year ($11,242 a month, Census ACS), a two-bedroom at $1,750 takes 15.6% of income. Under 30% is the usual line for affordable; this is under it.
How is the income needed for rent worked out?
Rent for a year divided by 0.30, the share of gross income HUD treats as affordable: ($1,750 × 12) ÷ 0.30 = $70,000. Divided by 2,080 working hours, that is $33.65 an hour.