Median rent is 22% lower in New York ($1,779/mo vs $2,279/mo). Buying is cheaper in Folsom, where the median home runs $702,200 versus $751,700. Households earn more in Folsom ($139,263 vs $79,713 a year). Taken together, Folsom is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 109.9 against 113.0 — about 3% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Folsom, CA.
Quick verdict
Folsom is 3% cheaper overall
Cost index: 109.9 in Folsom vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Folsom, CA
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Folsom, CA?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$77,104
You'd need $2,104 more (3% higher).
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
Folsom
California
New York
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
Renters will find significantly cheaper housing in New York — median rent of $1,779/mo versus $2,279/mo in Folsom, a 22% difference. Median home values are within 7% of each other: $702,200 in Folsom and $751,700 in New York.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% versus 10.90% in New York, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 7.25% in California and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Folsom
Income tax: 13.30%
Sales tax: 7.25%
New York
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Air quality data is available for New York (avg AQI 61.0) but not yet for Folsom.
Pick Folsom if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 109.9 vs 113.0).
Pick Folsom if you prioritize higher median household income ($139,263/yr).
Pick New York if you prioritize cheaper rent ($1,779/mo median).
Pick New York if you prioritize lower state income tax (10.90%).
Is Folsom cheaper than New York?
Folsom is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 109.9 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 3% lower in Folsom.
How much is rent in Folsom vs New York?
Median rent is $2,279/mo in Folsom, CA and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. New York, NY has the lower rent by about 22%.
Which has higher salaries — Folsom or New York?
Median household income is $139,263 in Folsom, CA and $79,713 in New York, NY. Folsom, CA 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 — Folsom or New York?
California's top income tax rate is 13.30% and New York's is 10.90%. New York, NY has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in New York to match my Folsom income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Folsom, CA is equivalent to roughly $102,805 in New York, 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