Cornelius, NC

Very High · 131

North Carolina · Population 32,009 · Updated March 2026

$1,571
Median Rent / Month
$114,688
Median Income
$512,400
Median Home Value
$1,717
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Cornelius

16.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in North Carolina

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

4.5%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.75%
Sales Tax
0.8%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$18,852
Annual Rent
$5,161
State Income Tax
$4,099
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Cornelius has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 131 (where 100 equals the national median), Cornelius residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,571/month while earning a median household income of $114,688/year.

The median home value in Cornelius, NC is $512,400, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,717 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 16.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

North Carolina has a moderate income tax rate of 4.5%. Combined with a 4.75% sales tax rate and 0.8% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Cornelius.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Cornelius

What is the cost of living in Cornelius, NC?
The cost of living index in Cornelius, NC is 131 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,571, median household income is $114,688/year, and the median home value is $512,400.
Is Cornelius, NC affordable?
No, Cornelius is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 131. The rent-to-income ratio is 16.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Cornelius, NC?
The median gross rent in Cornelius, NC is $1,571 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $18,852.
What is the median household income in Cornelius?
The median household income in Cornelius, NC is $114,688 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in North Carolina?
North Carolina has a top income tax rate of 4.5%, a sales tax of 4.75%, and an effective property tax rate of 0.8%.