Salary Needed to Live in Cary as a Single
A single adult living independently needs approximately $21,360/year to live comfortably in Cary, NC — including 10% savings.
Comfortable Salary
$21,360
with 10% savings
Bare Minimum
$18,512
no savings buffer
Monthly Expenses
$1,157
6% above national avg
Detailed Monthly Budget for a Single in Cary
| Expense | Cary | Nat'l Avg | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏠 Studio/1BR Rent | $151 | $113 | +34% |
| 🛒 Groceries | $26 | $17 | +53% |
| ⚡ Utilities | $12 | $14 | -14% |
| 🚗 Transportation | $23 | $26 | -12% |
| 🛡️ Car Insurance | $222 | $223 | 0% |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | $52 | $56 | -7% |
| Internet | $68 | $65 | +5% |
| Phone | $88 | $85 | +4% |
| Dining & Social | $312 | $300 | +4% |
| Entertainment | $125 | $120 | +4% |
| Personal Care | $78 | $75 | +4% |
| Total Monthly | $1,157 | $1,094 | +6% |
How We Calculated the Salary
Monthly expenses:$1,157
Target savings (10%):$148/mo
Monthly after-tax needed:$1,305
Effective tax rate:25%
Gross annual salary needed:$21,360
Other Household Types in Cary
Related Pages
FAQ
What salary does a single person need in Cary?
A single person needs approximately $21,360/year ($1,780/month gross) to live comfortably in Cary with a 10% savings rate.
How much is rent for a single person in Cary?
A studio/1br in Cary costs approximately $151/month, which is the largest single expense at 13% of the total budget.
Is Cary affordable for a single person?
Cary is roughly average for single person costs, requiring a salary close to the national median.