New York, New York has an overall cost of living index of 112.6, which is 12.6 points above the US average of 100 — making it pricier than most American cities. Renters pay a median of $1,821 per month, while the typical home is valued around $777,600. Households earn a median of $80,483 per year, leaving rent at a manageable share of income for many residents. Air quality is good, with an average AQI of 46. Below: housing costs, local wages by occupation, neighborhoods, climate, jobs and major industries, and healthcare access — all drawn from US Census, BEA, BLS, HUD, EPA, and NOAA data.
Median Household Income
$80,483
Annual · Census ACS
Median Gross Rent
$1,821
Per month · Census ACS
Median Home Value
$777,600
Census ACS
Cost of Living Index
112.6
BEA RPP · US avg = 100
Studio FMR
$2,529
HUD Fair Market Rent
1BR Fair Market Rent
$2,655
HUD FMR
2BR Fair Market Rent
$2,910
HUD FMR
3BR Fair Market Rent
$3,644
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
112.6
Goods
108.3
Rents / Housing
149.7
Services
129.1
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (metro-level)
| Occupation | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| 💻Software Developer | $161,090 |
| 🏥Registered Nurse | $115,650 |
| 📚Elementary Teacher | $95,140 |
| ⚡Electrician | $85,440 |
| 📊Accountant | $121,970 |
| 🔧Plumber | $91,060 |
| ⚕️Nurse Practitioner | $260,160 |
| 🏗️Civil Engineer | $121,640 |
| 👔Operations Manager | $187,140 |
| 📈Market Research Analyst | $102,680 |
| 🏢Health Services Manager | $183,580 |
| 🚛Truck Driver | $69,180 |
| 👨⚕️Physician Assistant | N/A |
| 🩺Surgeon | N/A |
| 🧮Data Scientist | N/A |
| 🖥️Computer Engineer | $140,050 |
Source: BLS OEWS 2023 (metro-level data)
Population
8,483,844
Latest estimate
Median Age
38.2 yrs
Census ACS
Average AQI
46.0
Source: EPA AirNow
Total Neighborhoods
5
Tracked in our database
Avg Walk Score
61
0–100 scale
Avg Median Rent
$2,007
Per month
Avg Home Value
$1,083,760
Census ACS
January Avg
34°F
July Avg
79°F
Sunny Days / Year
—
Annual Snowfall
—
Climate category: Temperate · Source: NOAA/NCEI 30-year normals.
Healthcare Score
31.7
poor
Hospitals
16
Doctors per 1,000
1.00
Insurance Coverage
93.7%
What is the cost of living index for New York?
New York has a Regional Price Parity (RPP) index of 112.6. The US national average is 100, so New York is 12.6 points above the national average.
What is the median rent in New York?
The median gross rent in New York is $1,821 per month according to US Census ACS data.
What is the median household income in New York?
The median household income in New York is $80,483 per year.
What is the median home value in New York?
The median home value in New York is $777,600 based on the latest Census ACS survey.
How is the air quality in New York?
New York has an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 46.0, which is rated "Good" by the EPA. Lower AQI values indicate cleaner air.
What are the taxes like in New York?
Tax data for New York is not yet available.
Data last updated: December 1, 2026 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology