Kernersville, NC

Below Avg · 79

North Carolina · Population 27,439 · Updated March 2026

$1,052
Median Rent / Month
$69,923
Median Income
$264,000
Median Home Value
$1,112
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Kernersville

18.1%
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

$12,624
Annual Rent
$3,147
State Income Tax
$2,112
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Kernersville is significantly cheaper than the national average, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious individuals and families. With a cost index of 79 (where 100 equals the national median), Kernersville residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,052/month while earning a median household income of $69,923/year.

The median home value in Kernersville, NC is $264,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $1,112 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.1% 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 Kernersville.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Kernersville

What is the cost of living in Kernersville, NC?
The cost of living index in Kernersville, NC is 79 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,052, median household income is $69,923/year, and the median home value is $264,000.
Is Kernersville, NC affordable?
Yes, Kernersville is more affordable than the national average with a cost index of 79. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.1%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Kernersville, NC?
The median gross rent in Kernersville, NC is $1,052 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $12,624.
What is the median household income in Kernersville?
The median household income in Kernersville, NC is $69,923 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%.