Cost of Living in Cornelius, NC
Population 32,009 · North Carolina · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
The Cornelius cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $512,000, rents near $1,571 a month.
Located 15 miles west of Concord, Cornelius falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 56% higher than Concord's $328,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cornelius
The median home value in Cornelius is $512,400 — 68% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,571/month, 20% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,688/year is 54% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.6%, below the national average of 4.8%. North Carolina's top state income tax rate is 4.5% and the combined sales tax is 7.0%. The climate averages highs of 72.2°F and lows of 50.6°F, with about 3.5" of annual snowfall. Overall, Cornelius has a cost of living index of 149 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 49% more expensive.
🏠 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 52 | 57 | 64 | 73 | 80 | 87 | 90 | 89 | 83 | 73 | 63 | 55 |
| Low °F | 32 | 35 | 41 | 49 | 58 | 66 | 70 | 69 | 63 | 50 | 40 | 35 |
| Precip" | 3.49 | 3.13 | 3.95 | 3.84 | 3.36 | 3.99 | 3.74 | 4.35 | 3.71 | 3.16 | 3.31 | 3.57 |
| Snow" | 1.6 | 1.1 | 0.3 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.4 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cornelius, NC?
Cornelius has a cost index of 149 (100 = national average). It is 49% above the national average.
What is average rent in Cornelius, NC?
The median gross rent in Cornelius is $1,571 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cornelius?
The median home value in Cornelius is $512,400 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cornelius?
The median household income in Cornelius is $114,688 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cornelius, NC?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cornelius is 7.0%. The North Carolina state income tax top rate is 4.5%.
Is Cornelius, NC affordable?
Cornelius is above average in cost of living, with an index of 149 — about 49% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Cornelius?
Cornelius has average high temperatures of 72.2°F and average lows of 50.6°F. Annual precipitation is 43.6". Average annual snowfall is 3.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cornelius at a Glance
- Population
- 32,009
- Median Income
- $114,688
- Home Value
- $512,400
- Median Rent
- $1,571/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 72.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 7.0%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
North Carolina Rankings
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