Taxes in Cary, North Carolina
Complete tax guide for Cary, NC. State income tax up to 4.5%, 0.79% property tax, 7.25% sales tax. Calculate your total tax burden.
State Income Tax
4.5%
North Carolina
Property Tax
0.79%
Effective rate
Sales Tax
7.25%
Combined rate
Tax Burden
High
Cary, NC Tax Overview
Affluent Raleigh suburb
Population
174,721
Median Income
$109,415
Cost of Living
112.8 (100 = avg)
State Income Tax
4.5%
Median Home Price
$450,000
Cary Tax Calculator
Pre-filled with Cary median: $109,415
Total Tax Burden in Cary
$28,979
Take-Home: $80,436 · Effective Rate: 26.49%
Federal Tax
$15,685
14.34% eff.
NC State
$4,924
4.50% eff.
FICA
$8,370
7.65% eff.
Take-Home
$80,436
73.51% kept
Tax Breakdown
| Item | Annual | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Gross Income | $109,415.00 | $9,117.92 |
| Federal Income Tax | -$15,685.30 | -$1,307.11 |
| North Carolina State Tax | -$4,923.68 | -$410.31 |
| Social Security (6.2%) | -$6,783.73 | -$565.31 |
| Medicare (1.45%) | -$1,586.52 | -$132.21 |
| Take-Home Pay | $80,435.78 | $6,702.98 |
Property Tax in Cary
Median Home
$450,000
Annual Tax
$3,555
Monthly Tax
$296
Effective Rate
0.79%
Sales Tax in Cary
Combined Rate
7.25%
State Portion
~4.8%
Local Portion
~2.5%
The combined sales tax rate in Cary is 7.25%, which is above the national average of 7.12%. On a $100 purchase, you would pay $7.25 in sales tax.
Tax Burden Comparison
| Tax Type | Cary | North Carolina Avg | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Income Tax | 4.5% | 4.5% | 4.6% |
| Property Tax | 0.79% | ~0.79% | 1.1% |
| Sales Tax | 7.25% | ~7.25% | 7.12% |
| Overall Burden | High | — | Moderate |
Tax Saving Tips for Cary Residents
- North Carolina's income tax rate of 4.5% is competitive. You may still benefit from maximizing 401(k) contributions ($23,500 limit) to reduce your taxable income at both state and federal levels.
- Property tax in Cary (0.79%) is below the national average of 1.1%. This makes homeownership more affordable here relative to property tax burden.
- Use a Health Savings Account (HSA) if eligible. Contributions are tax-deductible ($4,300 individual, $8,550 family), growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for medical expenses are tax-free.
Other Cities in North Carolina
Charlotte
ModerateRaleigh
ModerateGreensboro
LowDurham
ModerateWinston-Salem
LowFayetteville
LowWilmington
LowHigh Point
Very LowConcord
ModerateAsheville
ModerateCalculate Your Full North Carolina Tax Burden
See detailed state tax brackets, FICA breakdown, and compare to neighboring states.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the tax rates in Cary, NC?
Cary, North Carolina has a state income tax rate up to 4.5%. The property tax rate is 0.79% and the combined sales tax rate is 7.25%. Affluent Raleigh suburb
How much is property tax in Cary?
The effective property tax rate in Cary is 0.79%. On the median home price of $450,000, this equals approximately $3,555 per year or $296 per month. This is below the national average of 1.1%.
What is the sales tax rate in Cary?
The combined sales tax rate in Cary is 7.25%, which includes both state and local components. This is above the national average combined rate of approximately 7.12%.
How does Cary's tax burden compare to other cities?
Cary has a high overall tax burden. The effective total tax rate for a median-income household is approximately 30.9%. The combination of 4.5% state income tax, 0.79% property tax, and 7.25% sales tax determines the total burden. Cost of living index is 112.8 (100 = national average).
Are there any local taxes in Cary?
Cary does not impose a separate local or city income tax. Residents pay the state income tax of 4.5%, federal income tax, and FICA (Social Security and Medicare). Affluent Raleigh suburb