Median rent is 16% lower in Troy ($934/mo vs $1,109/mo). Buying is cheaper in Schenectady, where the median home runs $152,000 versus $199,400. Households earn more in Troy ($70,450 vs $56,398 a year). Overall, the two cities have a nearly identical cost of living index (96.6).
City A
Schenectady, NY
City B
Troy, OH
How much would you need to earn in Troy, OH to maintain your standard of living from Schenectady, NY?
Equivalent salary in Troy, OH
$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
Schenectady
New York
Troy
Ohio
👥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 Troy at $934/mo compared to $1,109/mo in Schenectady (16% gap). Home buyers face a steeper market in Troy: the median home is $199,400 versus $152,000 in Schenectady — 24% 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 3.50% in Ohio, so Troy is more tax-friendly for high earners. Sales tax is 4.00% in New York and 5.75% in Ohio; Schenectady has the lower rate (local add-ons may apply in both).
Schenectady
Income tax: 10.90%
Sales tax: 4.00%
Troy
Income tax: 3.50%
Sales tax: 5.75%
Air quality data is not yet available for these cities.
Pick Troy if you prioritize higher median household income ($70,450/yr).
Pick Troy if you prioritize cheaper rent ($934/mo median).
Pick Troy if you prioritize lower state income tax (3.50%).
Is Schenectady cheaper than Troy?
Schenectady 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 Schenectady.
How much is rent in Schenectady vs Troy?
Median rent is $1,109/mo in Schenectady, NY and $934/mo in Troy, OH. Troy, OH has the lower rent by about 16%.
Which has higher salaries — Schenectady or Troy?
Median household income is $56,398 in Schenectady, NY and $70,450 in Troy, OH. Troy, OH 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 — Schenectady or Troy?
New York's top income tax rate is 10.90% and Ohio's is 3.50%. Troy, OH has the lower rate.
What salary do I need in Troy to match my Schenectady income?
To maintain the same purchasing power, a salary of $100,000 in Schenectady, NY is equivalent to roughly $100,000 in Troy, OH (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