Cost of Living in Cortland, NY
Population 17,465 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Cortland is a smaller New York community of around 17000 residents, where median household incomes of $55,368 and housing costs ($144,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.2% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Cortland is about 30 miles south of Syracuse, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Cortland
The median home value in Cortland is $143,800 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $893/month, 32% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $55,368/year is 26% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 55.2°F and lows of 35.2°F. Overall, Cortland has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less 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 | 30 | 33 | 41 | 54 | 67 | 75 | 79 | 77 | 70 | 58 | 46 | 35 |
| Low °F | 13 | 14 | 22 | 33 | 43 | 52 | 56 | 54 | 48 | 38 | 29 | 21 |
| Precip" | 2.67 | 2.71 | 3.30 | 3.82 | 3.62 | 4.19 | 3.69 | 4.04 | 3.52 | 3.60 | 3.32 | 3.18 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Cortland, NY?
Cortland has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.
What is average rent in Cortland, NY?
The median gross rent in Cortland is $893 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Cortland?
The median home value in Cortland is $143,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Cortland?
The median household income in Cortland is $55,368 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Cortland, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Cortland is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Cortland, NY affordable?
Yes, Cortland is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Cortland?
Cortland has average high temperatures of 55.2°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 41.7". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Cortland at a Glance
- Population
- 17,465
- Median Income
- $55,368
- Home Value
- $143,800
- Median Rent
- $893/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.2%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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New York Rankings
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