Construction Costs in Cary, NC 2026

Estimate renovation and building costs in Cary. Local labor rates average $25.06/hr with a material cost index of 88.

$25.06

Avg Labor Rate/hr

88

Material Cost Index

$244,467

Avg Home Price

93

Cost of Living Index

Cary Overview

Population

174,721

Climate Zone

Mixed-Humid / Mixed-Dry (Zone 4)

Seismic Risk

low

Median Household Income

$50,933

Cary Remodeling Cost Estimator

Leave blank for typical kitchen remodel size

Cost Breakdown

Materials$9,900
Labor$6,891
Permits (4%)$672

Estimated Total Cost

$17,463

Mid-range Kitchen Remodel150 sq ft in Cary

Materials

$9,900

57% of total

Labor

$6,891

39% of total

Permits

$672

~$724 avg

13% Below National Average

The same kitchen remodel at the national average would cost approximately $20,085. Cary offers competitive construction pricing compared to the national average.

View North Carolina Statewide Costs

Compare Cary costs with the North Carolina state average and other cities.

Project Cost Comparison: Cary vs National Average

Project TypeCary AverageNational AverageDifference
Kitchen Remodel$30,000$35,000-14%
Bathroom Remodel$15,500$18,000-14%
Roof Replacement$13,000$15,000-13%
Whole House Paint$3,300$3,800-13%
Flooring Install$6,000$7,000-14%
Deck Build$10,500$12,000-12%

Material Prices in Cary

Concrete

$125 /cubic yard

$2 above the estimated North Carolina average of $123/yd³

Lumber

$4.44 /board foot

$0.40 below the estimated North Carolina average of $4.84/BF

Popular Projects in Cary

📐

#1 Room Addition

Among the most requested projects by Cary homeowners

🛤️

#2 Driveway Replacement

Among the most requested projects by Cary homeowners

🚿

#3 Bathroom Renovation

Among the most requested projects by Cary homeowners

Construction Cost Overview for Cary, NC

Construction and renovation costs in Cary, NC reflect the city's cost of living index of 93 and a material cost index of 88 (where 100 represents the national baseline). With an average construction labor rate of $25.06 per hour and a median home price of $244,467, homeowners in Cary should plan their renovation budgets carefully using local pricing data.

Cary sits in IECC Climate Zone 4 (Mixed-Humid / Mixed-Dry), which influences insulation requirements, HVAC sizing, and overall material choices for both new construction and remodeling projects. Low seismic risk — standard building codes apply. The median household income of $50,933 in Cary means that a mid-range kitchen remodel at $30,000 represents approximately 59% of annual household income.

Building permits in Cary average $724, varying by project scope and local building department requirements. Major renovations involving structural, electrical, or plumbing work require permits in virtually all North Carolina jurisdictions. Scheduling projects during off-peak seasons can save 5-15% on labor costs as contractors have greater availability.

Other Cities in North Carolina

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a kitchen remodel cost in Cary, NC?
A mid-range kitchen remodel in Cary, NC costs approximately $30,000 on average. Budget renovations start around $21,000, while premium remodels with custom cabinetry and high-end appliances can reach $45,000 or more. Labor rates in Cary average $25.06/hour for general construction work.
What is the average construction labor rate in Cary?
Construction labor in Cary, NC averages $25.06 per hour. This is 13% below the national average. Specialized trades like licensed electricians and master plumbers typically charge 25-45% more than general construction labor rates.
Do I need a building permit for home renovations in Cary?
Most significant renovations in Cary, NC require building permits. Permit costs average around $724 depending on project scope. Projects involving structural changes, electrical rewiring, plumbing modifications, or additions almost always require permits. Cosmetic updates like interior painting, replacing fixtures, or installing new flooring typically do not.
How does Cary's cost of living affect construction costs?
Cary has a cost of living index of 93 (national average = 100), which directly impacts construction costs. Higher cost of living means higher labor rates, material delivery costs, and permit fees. The material cost index in Cary is 88, reflecting local supply chain dynamics and demand levels.
What are the most popular home improvement projects in Cary?
The most popular construction and renovation projects in Cary, NC include Room Addition, Driveway Replacement, Bathroom Renovation. Kitchen remodels offer the highest ROI in Cary at approximately 60-75% of cost recovery upon resale. Bathroom renovations and roof replacements are also top priorities for Cary homeowners looking to increase property value.

Related Calculators