| Index | Cortland | New York | National |
| Cost of living | 96 | 121 | 100 |
| Groceries | 104 | 106 | 100 |
| Health care | 107 | 110 | 100 |
| Housing | 68 | 144 | 100 |
| Transportation | 111 | 113 | 100 |
| Utilities | 112 | 112 | 100 |
| Lifestyle & Entertainment | 107 | 111 | 100 |
| Household Items | 105 | 106 | 100 |
| Education & Childcare | 113 | 118 | 100 |
The cost of living in Cortland affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Cortland is 96, which is 4% lower than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.
The cost of living in Cortland closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Cortland can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.
Wondering if Cortland is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Cortland, for example, the median home price is 36.7% lower than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 19.9% lower than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Cortland boasting a median household income of $72,172, which is 11.3% lower than the national average.
Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.
Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Cortland, the utilities index is 12.2% higher than the national average.
Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Cortland, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4%, and the income tax rates commence at 4%.
The cost of living data for Cortland shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.
| Cost of living index | |
| Groceries index | |
| Health care index | |
| Housing index | |
| Transportation index | |
| Utilities index | |
| Lifestyle index | |
| Household index | |
| Educare index |
| Median Income | Per Year | Per Month | Max Budget (28% DTI) | Max Budget (36% DTI) |
| Owners | $111,078 | $9,257 | $2,592 | $3,333 |
| Renters | $48,416 | $4,035 | $1,130 | $1,453 |
| State | General Sales Tax | With Max Surtax |
| New York | 4% | 8.875% |
| State | Income Tax (Low) | Income Tax (High) |
| New York | 4% | 10.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| DeRuyter, NY | 437 | 90 | 9.5% |
| Marathon, NY | 1,080 | 92 | 7.8% |
| McGraw, NY | 1,173 | 93 | 7.4% |
| Blodgett Mills, NY | 217 | 93 | 6.8% |
| Moravia, NY | 1,467 | 96 | 4.4% |
| Cortland, NY | 19,302 | 96 | 3.9% |
| City | Population | Cost of Living Index | National Avg. |
| Imperial, CA | 19,303 | 118 | 18.5% |
| Helena, AL | 19,288 | 101 | 0.9% |
| Bellwood, IL | 19,287 | 99 | 1.0% |
| Port Colborne, ON | 19,317 | n/a | |
| Newton, KS | 19,319 | 87 | 13.2% |
| Cortland, NY | 19,302 | 96 | 3.9% |
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