The Most Affordable Cities in New York (2026)

Ranked by cost index: the average of renting, buying, goods, and services compared to the national average (100). All data from Census ACS 2024 and BEA Regional Price Parities 2023.

1

Buffalo

75.5

Rent: $1,142/mo · Homes: $187,000 · Income: $52,211

Up to 10.9% · Sales tax: 8.0%

2

Rochester

77.7

Rent: $1,090/mo · Homes: $164,300 · Income: $46,882

Up to 10.9% · Sales tax: 8.0%

3

New York

144.6

Rent: $1,811/mo · Homes: $778,600 · Income: $81,228

Up to 10.9% · Sales tax: 8.875%

Sources: Rent and home prices from Census ACS 2024. Goods and services from BEA Regional Price Parities 2023. Tax rates from Tax Foundation.