Median rent is 9% lower in Middletown ($1,614/mo vs $1,779/mo). Buying is cheaper in Middletown, where the median home runs $271,000 versus $751,700. Households earn more in New York ($79,713 vs $77,174 a year). Taken together, Middletown is the more affordable choice with a cost index of 92.5 against 113.0 — about 18% lower overall prices. After adjusting income for local prices, a typical paycheck stretches further in Middletown, NY.
Quick verdict
Middletown is 18% cheaper overall
Cost index: 92.5 in Middletown vs 113.0 in New York (US average = 100)
City A
Middletown, NY
City B
New York, NY
How much would you need to earn in New York, NY to maintain your standard of living from Middletown, NY?
Equivalent salary in New York, NY
$91,659
You'd need $16,659 more (22% 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
Middletown
New York
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
Median rent is modestly lower in Middletown at $1,614/mo compared to $1,779/mo in New York (9% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in New York: the median home is $751,700 versus $271,000 in Middletown — 64% more expensive.
1BR Fair Market Rent
2BR Fair Market Rent
BLS OEWS 2023 — metro-level data
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% versus 10.90% in New York, so New York is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 4.00% in New York; New York has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Middletown
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
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 Middletown.
Pick Middletown if you prioritize lower overall cost of living (index 92.5 vs 113.0).
Is Middletown cheaper than New York?
Middletown is cheaper overall, with a cost of living index of 92.5 versus 113.0 (US average = 100). That means prices run about 18% lower in Middletown.
How much is rent in Middletown vs New York?
Median rent is $1,614/mo in Middletown, NY and $1,779/mo in New York, NY. Middletown, NY has the lower rent by about 9%.
Which has higher salaries — Middletown or New York?
Median household income is $77,174 in Middletown, NY and $79,713 in New York, NY. New York, NY 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 — Middletown or New York?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% 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 Middletown income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Middletown, NY is equivalent to roughly $122,212 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