Albany, New York has an overall cost of living index of 96.6, which is 3.4 points below the US average of 100 — making it more affordable than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,178 per month, while the typical home is valued around $223,000. Households earn a median of $59,485 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. The figures below cover housing, local wages by occupation, demographics, and air quality, all drawn from the US Census Bureau, BEA, HUD, and EPA.
Median Household Income
$59,485
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,178
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$223,000
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
96.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$1,217
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$1,417
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$1,702
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$2,041
HUD FMR
HUD Fair Market Rent = 40th percentile gross rent · FY2024
Each category is indexed to the US average of 100. Below 100 = cheaper than average.
Overall
96.6
Goods
96.4
Rents / Housing
92.4
Services
132.8
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
State Income Tax
10.90%
Top marginal rate
State Sales Tax
4.00%
Statewide base rate (local add-ons may apply)
Source: Tax Foundation (2024)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $114,830 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $90,630 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $76,580 |
| ⚡Electrician | $74,000 |
| 📊Accountant | $89,730 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
100,081
Latest estimate
Median Age
31.9 yrs
Census ACS
🌬️
AQI data not available
Source: EPA AirNow
What is the cost of living index for Albany?
Albany has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 96.6. The US national average is 100, so Albany is 3.4 points below the national average.
What is the median rent in Albany?
The median gross rent in Albany is $1,178 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in Albany?
The median household income in Albany is $59,485 per year.
What is the median home value in Albany?
The median home value in Albany is $223,000 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in Albany?
Air quality data for Albany is not yet available.
What are the taxes like in Albany?
New York has a top state income tax rate of 10.90% and a statewide sales tax of 4.00% (local rates may add to this). Source: Tax Foundation, 2024.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology