Median rent is 15% lower in Schenectady ($1,109/mo vs $1,311/mo). Buying is cheaper in Schenectady, where the median home runs $152,000 versus $352,900. Households earn more in Albany ($73,809 vs $56,398 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.6).
City A
Albany, OR
City B
Schenectady, NY
How much would you need to earn in Schenectady, NY to maintain your standard of living from Albany, OR?
Equivalent salary in Schenectady, NY
$75,000
Costs are about the same in both cities.
Based on BEA Regional Price Parity (cost index) for each city's metro area. A rough estimate of overall purchasing power, not tax or take-home pay.
Metric
Albany
Oregon
Schenectady
New York
👥Population
💰Median Household Income
Annual
🏠Median Gross Rent
Per month
🏡Median Home Value
📊Cost of Living Index
US avg = 100
🔑1BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑2BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🔑3BR Fair Market Rent
HUD FMR
🌬️Air Quality Index
Lower = cleaner
🏛️Top State Income Tax
Top marginal rate
🧾State Sales Tax
Statewide base rate
🎂Median Age
Years
✓ = better value · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation
Median rent is modestly lower in Schenectady at $1,109/mo compared to $1,311/mo in Albany (15% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Albany: the median home is $352,900 versus $152,000 in Schenectady — 57% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% versus 10.90% in New York, so Albany is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 0.00% in Oregon and 4.00% in New York; Albany has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Albany
Income tax: 9.90%
Sales tax: None
Schenectady
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Albany if you prioritize higher median household income ($73,809/yr).
Pick Schenectady if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,109/mo median).
Pick Albany if you prioritize lower state income tax (9.90%).
Is Albany cheaper than Schenectady?
Albany is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 96.6 versus 96.6 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 0% lower in Albany.
How much is rent in Albany vs Schenectady?
Median rent is $1,311/mo in Albany, OR and $1,109/mo in Schenectady, NY. Schenectady, NY has the lower rent by about 15%.
Which has higher salaries — Albany or Schenectady?
Median household income is $73,809 in Albany, OR and $56,398 in Schenectady, NY. Albany, OR has the higher median income. Note that BLS occupational wages in the table above show wages for specific jobs.
Which city has better air quality?
Air quality data is not yet available for one or both cities.
Which has lower taxes — Albany or Schenectady?
Oregon's top income tax rate is 9.90% and New York's is 10.90%. Albany, OR has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Schenectady to match my Albany income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Albany, OR is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Schenectady, NY (using the BEA Regional Price Parity ratio). Use the salary calculator above for any income amount.
Data last updated: December 1, 2024 · Sources: US Census ACS, BEA RPP, BLS OEWS, HUD FMR, EPA AirNow, Tax Foundation · Methodology