Home Values in Cary, North Carolina — 2026 Market Report
Updated March 2026 | Balanced Market | +6.7% YoY
The median home value in Cary, North Carolina is $465,000 as of March 2026, which is above the national median of $400,000. Home values in Cary have increased by 6.7% over the past year and 38.3% over the last five years. With a population of 174,721 and a median household income of $105,250, the price-to-income ratio stands at 4.4x, making Cary affordable for the average household.
Cary Housing Market Conditions
| Metric | Cary | National Avg |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Value | $465,000 | $400,000 |
| YoY Appreciation | +6.7% | +3.8% |
| 5-Year Appreciation | +38.3% | +22.4% |
| Price per Sq Ft | $188 | $222 |
| Days on Market | 40 days | 45 days |
| Months of Supply | 3.8 | 3.5 |
| List-to-Sale Ratio | 100.7% | 98.5% |
| Monthly Homes Sold | 157 | — |
| Foreclosure Rate | 0.49% | 0.3% |
Home Value Trends in Cary
A homeowner who purchased at the median price of $336,226 five years ago in Cary would have gained approximately $128,774 in equity, representing a 38.3% return on investment. Over the past year alone, the typical homeowner gained $29,199 in home equity.
Affordability in Cary, NC
With a median household income of $105,250 and a median home price of $465,000, the price-to-income ratio in Cary is 4.4x. A ratio below 3x is generally considered affordable, while above 5x indicates significant affordability challenges. The average monthly rent of $3,274 compared to estimated monthly ownership costs of $2,511 gives a rent-vs-buy ratio of 0.77. In Cary, buying is currently competitive with renting when factoring in equity accumulation.
Property Taxes in Cary
The effective property tax rate in North Carolina is 0.78%. On a home valued at $465,000, the estimated annual property tax bill is $3,627, or approximately $302/month. Property taxes are an important factor in the total cost of homeownership and can significantly impact affordability. The cost of living index in Cary is 105.5 (100 = national average), indicating living costs are near the national average.
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Open Mortgage CalculatorFrequently Asked Questions
What is the median home value in Cary, NC?
The median home value in Cary, North Carolina is $465,000 as of March 2026. Home values have changed +6.7% over the past year, with a 5-year appreciation of 38.3%.
Is Cary a buyer's or seller's market?
Cary is currently a balanced market with 3.8 months of housing supply. Homes spend an average of 40 days on market, and the list-to-sale price ratio is 100.7%. Supply and demand are relatively balanced.
Are home values going up in Cary?
Yes, home values in Cary have increased by 6.7% over the past year. The 5-year appreciation rate is 38.3%, meaning a home worth $336,226 five years ago is now worth $465,000.
Is it better to rent or buy in Cary?
The average monthly rent in Cary is $3,274, while estimated monthly homeownership costs are approximately $2,511. The price-to-rent ratio is 11.8. Based on current conditions, buying may be more cost-effective than renting in this market.
Home Values in Other North Carolina Cities
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Disclaimer: Home value data for Cary, North Carolina is based on publicly available market data and estimates. Actual home values may vary based on property condition, location within the city, and current market conditions. Data is updated regularly but may not reflect the most recent transactions. Last updated: March 2026.