New York is home to one of the most iconic cities in the world, but it’s also one of the most expensive. Expand your search outside of NYC proper and you might be surprised to discover that there are actually some inexpensive and very livable cities in New York. While Manhattan might be out of reach, there are definitely some cheaper options.
Ilion
Ilion is a small-city complex in Central New York, 50 miles east of Syracuse. With a median income of $62,848 and a median rent of $1,000, Ilion is definitely the cheapest place to live in New York. Compared to the rest of the country, the cost of living in Ilion is .6% higher than the national average. There are several playgrounds and parks here, and crime rates are low.
Ogdensburg
This city in St. Lawrence County, northeast from Hornell, towards the Canadian border, currently ranks 2nd as the most affordable city in New York. The median income is $50,166 and the median rent, $627. Here, you can have a healthy family life, especially if you have little children. It is also one of the best places to retire in New York. As it lies on the Canadian border, you can take the highway as a direct route to Ottawa for a weekend away in Canada!
Hornell
Hornell in Steuben County is another cheap place to live in New York, with a median income of $46,984, and a median rent of $667. The cost of living here is only 1.7% higher than the national average. And, the good news, recent job growth has been positive. Jobs in Hornell have increased by 0.3%. There are several parks in Hornell, where you can spend some quiet time. There are also Farmers Markets and Farm Stands across the region where you can enjoy locally-grown food.
Massena
Massena is located just south of the Canadian border. With a median income of $45,649 and a median rent of $699, Massena is another city with a very affordable cost of living. There are several free outdoorsy things to do in this city like hiking in the mountains at Robert Moses State Park, where you can also go for a swim at the beach, hit some golf balls, and visit some natural centers. There is also the Massena Nature Center and Eisenhower Lock to visit.
Herkimer
This town is located 20 minutes southwest of Utica, with an overall cost of living about 25% lower than the New York average. Herkimer stands out in low housing costs. The median income is $54,324 and the median rent about $698. You can enjoy cruising down the Mohawk River, learning about local history, checking out the campgrounds, or mining at Herkimer Diamond Mines.
Olean
Olean is New York’s poster city for affordability, housing, and safety. The median income is $41,500 and the median rent, $700. There are also excellent outdoor recreational opportunities that you can enjoy. Rock City Park, 5 miles south of Olean, offers several hiking trails to wander through, and amazing, breathtaking scenery to enjoy. Allegany State Park is another amazing spot known for its two lakes and wonderful camping experiences. You can go swimming, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and try out many more things.
You should also check out Holiday Valley, a resort and leader in the ski industry, with 13 lifts, 58 slopes and trails, three base lodges, two hotels, a golf course, pools, a mountain coaster, an aerial park, and several amenities.
Fulton
Fulton is a city that was named after the inventor of the steamboat. It is about 30 miles northwest of Syracuse. The median income is $47,671, and the median rent, $716. There are 44 lakes and several outdoor activities for you to try! You can enjoy boating, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and camping. There are also bicycle and hiking trails, an array of golf courses, museums, historic sites, and family attractions for you to explore. In the winter you can try ice fishing, downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. Fulton is certainly a place to consider if you wish to live in New York.
Tonawanda
Tonawanda, a city in the Buffalo-Niagara Falls metro area, also offers affordable living with a median rent of $975. The median household income is $59,845. Here, too, there are several parks such as Niawanda Park, Gateway Harbor, Isle View County Park, and Aqua Lane Park where you can enjoy outdoor activities.
Kenmore
Kenmore, just South of Niagara Falls, is a safe city with a small-town charm. It is part of the Buffalo–Niagara Falls metropolitan area. Kenmore is quite affordable, with a median rent of $850. The median household income is $70,330.
Medina
Medina is about an hour’s drive from two major cities, Rochester and Buffalo. It is starting to be recognized as a popular tourist spot. The downtown area is a designated historic district. There are also several cultural and educational opportunities in this place. The median household income is $45,134, and the median rent, $740.
Cheapest New York City Neighborhoods
If you must live in New York City, these are the most affordable neighborhoods:
Inwood
This is a neighborhood on the very northern edge of Manhattan with a very suburban feel, where you can also experience the many cultural benefits of New York. The average rent is $1,873.
Windsor Terrace
Windsor Terrace is a quiet residential neighborhood on the south edge of Prospect Park, in Brooklyn, with an average monthly rent of $2,419.
Riverdale
Riverdale is a neighborhood of grand estates and very expensive private schools. But, it is actually very affordable compared to most other parts of New York City, with an average monthly rent of $2,338.
Frequently asked questions about the cheapest places to live in New York
The cost of living in New York State will depend on the city. New York City for example has a much higher cost of living than Buffalo, NY. The more densely populated the area, the more demand for goods and services which can drive up the cost. Taxes are also a major factor in determining the cost of living, and the state of New York has higher taxes than other U.S cities.
New York State Income Tax ranges from 4%-8.82%. The sales tax rate is 4%.
Again, this will depend which city in New York you call home. Generally, your rent should be equal to or less than 30% of your annual gross income. To live comfortably in New York City you should have a salary of between $60,000 and $100,000 depending on your neighborhood and apartment size.
These are just some of the cheapest places to live in New York. Are you ready to move in and call New York your home? Start your search on Zumper where you’ll find thousands of apartment to rent in New York.
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