Cost of Living in Cornelia, GA
Population 4,813 · Georgia · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $40,192, median household incomes in Cornelia land roughly 46% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 31% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.
Cornelia is about 40 miles north of Athens-Clarke County, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 23% lower than Athens-Clarke County's $272,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cornelia
The median home value in Cornelia is $210,200 — 31% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $949/month, 28% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $40,192/year is 46% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, below the national average of 4.8%. Georgia's top state income tax rate is 5.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.3%. Overall, Cornelia has a cost of living index of 70 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 30% less expensive.
Cornelia has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cornelia, GA?
Cornelia has a cost index of 70 (100 = national average). It is 30% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cornelia, GA?
The median gross rent in Cornelia is $949 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cornelia?
The median home value in Cornelia is $210,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cornelia?
The median household income in Cornelia is $40,192 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cornelia, GA?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cornelia is 7.3%. The Georgia state income tax top rate is 5.5%.
Is Cornelia, GA affordable?
Yes, Cornelia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 70 — about 30% below the US national average of 100.
Cornelia at a Glance
- Population
- 4,813
- Median Income
- $40,192
- Home Value
- $210,200
- Median Rent
- $949/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Sales Tax
- 7.3%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
Georgia Rankings
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