News » Shocking: Average Salary in New York State Compared to Cost of Living

Shocking: Average Salary in New York State Compared to Cost of Living

Hudson Valley Post

This article was originally posted on HudsonValleyPost.com

Sadly for Empire State residents “the math is not mathing” when it comes to salary and living in New York.

“The math is not mathing” is an expression used when something just doesn’t add up. That’s the case when comparing the cost of living to the average salary in New York.

Cost Of Living In New York State

New York is one of the most expensive states in America to live in. I’m sure that’s not a surprise to Empire State residents.

A number of publications rank cost of living. Below is where New York State ranks.

  • 48th, according to Motto Mortage
  • 44th, according to US News And World Report 
  • 45th, according to World Population Review 
  • 44th according to Doxo

When it comes to “affordability,” USA Today says New York State is the worst state in America.

Average Salary In New York State

The average full-time salary in New York State is $51,979, according to findings from ZipRecruiter.

That’s about $24.99 per hour, $999 a week, or $4,331 monthly.

Most salaries in New York range from $36,403 to $64,402.

Despite being one of the most expensive states to live in, New York ranks 38th in terms of average salary, according to ZipRecruiter.

As I said above, “the math isn’t mathing!”

Top 10 Cheapest Places to Live in New York State

New York is one of the most expensive states to call home, but there are some areas that are gentle on the wallet. According to HomeSnacks, they deduced the top 10 most affordable cities and towns in the Empire State.

They looked into data from the U.S. Census, median home and rent prices, as well as median income of a particular area’s residents. Affordability was also determined based on availability and access to services and conveniences.

Below are the top 10 places that let residents keep more cash in their wallets.

No. 10 – Elmira

Population: 26,494

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 85

Median Income: $41,073

Median Home Price: $113,359

Median Rent: $823

Said HomeSnacks, “ocated in Southern New York as the county seat of Chemung County, Elmira shines with an affordable 2.76 home price to income ratio and a $823 ranking at 2lowest state-wide.”

No. 9 – Albion

Population: 5,428

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84

Median Income: $41,985

Median Home Price: $89,529

Median Rent: $819

Albion’s rent costs are among the lowest in the state.

No. 8 – Lackawanna

Population: 19,762

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 84

Median Income: $46,869

Median Home Price: $138,652

Median Rent: $809

A suburb in Buffalo, the 2nd most affordable city in NY.

No. 7 – Jamestown

Population: 28,679

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 83

Median Income: $39,507

Median Home Price: $110,473

Median Rent: $703

Said HomeSnacks, “An hour plus south of Buffalo, Jamestown is close to Panama Rocks Scenic Park for affordable weekend fun.”

No. 6 – Olean

Population: 13,890

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 82

Median Income: $45,078

Median Home Price: $103,194

Median Rent: $761

Olean’s school district is among the best in the state in addition to offering plenty of job opportunities and low cost of renting or owning a home.

No. 5 – Medina

Population: 5,827

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 81

Median Income: $56,782

Median Home Price: $153,223

Median Rent: $854

Located alongside the Erie Canal offers a strong economy due to its agriculture and sandstone exports.

No. 4 – Dunkirk

Population: 12,668

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 81

Median Income: $46,800

Median Home Price: $118,045

Median Rent: $826

This Western, NY, city offers inexpensive options to have fun by the water.

No. 3 – Salamanca

Population: 5,906

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80

Median Income: $38,472

Median Home Price: $90,236

Median Rent: $706

Salamanca is located within the Allegany Indian Reservation. Said HomeSnacks, “Salamanca’s position near the Allegheny River and Allegany State Park gives you plenty of cheap things to do on the weekend.”

No. 2 – Buffalo

Population: 276,688

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 80

Median Income: $46,184

Median Home Price: $215,169

Median Rent: $942

Buffalo earned a second-place ranking due to the accessibility of entertainment venues and outdoor opportunities.

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No. 1 – Niagara Falls

Population: 48,502

Overall Cost Of Living Index: 79

Median Income: $45,932

Median Home Price: $148,929

Median Rent: $763

Niagara Falls also offers plenty of outdoor activities and sightseeing opportunities, in addition to having a great public transportation.