RentDataNowRentDataNow
ZIP Code · NC

ZIP 27518

Part of Cary, NC
Pop. 19,735·Wake County·151st most expensive ZIP in North Carolina
Median rent (all units)
$1,546/mo
Year-over-Year
+4.2%
Month-over-Month
-0.5%
vs US Median
-$419
Falling (Monthly)
Be the first to discuss 27518 rents ↓
Most AffordableMost Expensive
ZIP 27518 · $1,546
More affordable than 70% of US ZIP codes · National median $1,965/mo
Rent check

Is your rent fair?

Compare your rent to the local median.

Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,227
1 BR
$1,279
2 BR
$1,405
3 BR
$1,760
4 BR+
$2,359
Research median
$1,405/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

Loading…

Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$18,552/yr
At $1,546/mo median
Location
CityCary
StateNC
CountyWake County
Rent Market Meter
Landlord's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are climbing (4.2% YoY), so leverage tilts toward landlords. Act sooner rather than later.
Based on rent-price momentum (+4.2% YoY, -0.5% MoM), not inventory.
Demographics

Who lives here

ZIP 27518 (Cary, NC) is majority owner-occupied, has a large retiree population, has a median income above the national average, 71.8% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
19,735
Median income
$123,488
Median age
46.9
Renters
33.9%
Age distribution
18%
20.2%
22.3%
16.1%
23.4%
Under 1818%
18–3420.2%
35–5422.3%
55–6416.1%
65+23.4%
Gender
47.1%
52.9%
Male47.1%
Female52.9%
Race & ethnicity
76.1%
White76.1%
Black6.6%
Hispanic4.2%
Asian9.9%
Other3.2%
Education (25+)
17.5%
71.8%
No HS diploma2.8%
HS diploma7.8%
Some college17.5%
Bachelor's+71.8%
Housing tenure
66.1%
33.9%
Owner66.1%
Renter33.9%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2021 vs 2026

How ZIP 27518 in Cary, NC has changed in 5 years

Income
$107,509 → $123,488
up 14.9%
Population
19,674 → 19,735
up 0.3%
Renter share
35.4% → 33.9%
-1.5 pts
Bachelor's+
73.6% → 71.8%
-1.8 pts
Median age
45.4 → 46.9
+1.5 yrs

Census figures show median household income at $123,488 today, compared with $107,509 five years earlier. Renters now make up 33.9% of households, compared with 35.4% five years ago.

Community

Discussions about ZIP 27518

No discussions yet. Start the conversation.

Local insights

Tips for renters in ZIP 27518

About renting in ZIP 27518

Last updated: July 20, 2026

ZIP code 27518 covers Cary, NC. The median rent here is $1,546/mo as of July 2026. A 1-bedroom rents for a median of $1,279/mo. A 2-bedroom rents for a median of $1,405/mo.

At 15% of local median household income ($123,488/yr), ZIP 27518 ranks as affordable compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have increased 4.2% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How much is rent in ZIP code 27518?

As of July 20, 2026, the median monthly rent in ZIP 27518 (Cary, NC) is $1,546. This is based on aggregated data from public sources and community submissions.

How does ZIP 27518 rent compare to the US average?

ZIP 27518's median rent of $1,546/mo is $419 (21%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo.

How does ZIP 27518 compare to other ZIPs in North Carolina?

ZIP 27518 falls in the middle range for North Carolina, ranking #151 out of 227 ZIPs at $1,546/mo.

How much income do you need to rent in ZIP 27518?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $62,000/year (~$30/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,546/mo in ZIP 27518. The local median household income is $123,488/yr, meaning the typical household meets that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in ZIP 27518?

Rent in ZIP 27518 has increased 4.2% over the past year as of July 20, 2026, putting upward pressure on renter budgets.

Is ZIP 27518 an affordable place to rent?

ZIP 27518 is considered very affordable for renters. At $1,546/mo, rent takes approximately 15% of the local median household income ($123,488/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. ZIP 27518 falls comfortably within that range.

What percentage of ZIP 27518 residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 33.9% of ZIP 27518 households are renters, while 66.1% are owner-occupied. ZIP 27518 leans toward homeownership, which can mean a smaller rental inventory.

How does ZIP 27518 compare to the rest of Cary?

ZIP 27518 is more affordable than Cary overall. At $1,546/mo, it's $229 below the Cary citywide median of $1,775/mo.

When was rent data for ZIP 27518 last updated?

Rent data for ZIP 27518 reflects July 20, 2026. RentDataNow refreshes all data monthly using public and private datasets.
Income Affordability
15%
VERY AFFORDABLE

At $1,546/mo, rent takes ~15% of ZIP 27518's median household income ($123,488/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

ZIP 27518 15%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4.5%
Compare

How does this area stack up?

Pick another city or ZIP to compare.

Schools nearby

Public schools near ZIP 27518 (Cary, NC)

Recent submissions

Be the first to submit your rent for this ZIP.

Recent discussions

No discussions yet.