What is the cost of living in New York City?
Explore the cost of living in NYC, including home prices and how much tax you'll pay. You can also match with a financial advisor and get help with your financial planning by answering a few questions below.
Summary
The cost of living in New York City is 37% higher than the state average and 78% higher than the US average.
The average monthly costs (without rent) are $1,698 for a single person and $6,291 for a family of four.
The cost of housing, utilities, transportation, food and groceries, healthcare, and childcare is higher than the national average, and the city charges high local income and sales taxes.
Unbiased can connect you to a financial advisor who can help you manage your finances.
What is the average cost of living in New York City?
The cost of living in New York City is 37% higher than the state average and a whopping 78% higher than the national average.
According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost (without rent) for a single person as of December 2024 is $1,698 and $6,291 for a family of four.
Your average cost of living in New York City will depend on many different factors, including where you live, how you get around, the taxes you pay, your utility usage at home, and other expenses.
Of course, you can lower your living costs by moving to one of the cheaper places to live in New York or by making your own purchasing choices.
If you’re considering moving to NYC, it’s vital that you understand how much it costs to live there and plan accordingly.
How much will I pay in taxes in New York City?
Taxes eat into a significant portion of your income, so you must factor them into your planning.
If you live in New York City, you will have to pay local income tax in addition to your state income tax.
Additionally, New York has some of the highest sales and property tax rates in the country.
Here is a breakdown of some of the taxes you’ll be expected to pay if you live in NYC for 2024:
| Tax type | Tax rate |
|---|---|
| Tax type | Tax rate |
| New York state income tax | 4%-10.90% |
| New York City income tax | 3.078%-3.876% |
| NYC sales and use tax | 8.53% (average combined state and local) |
| NYC property tax | Average rate of 1.4% of property value |
| Commuter tax | .11%-.6% |
If you’re retired, it’s worth noting that New York does tax withdrawals from your retirement accounts, such as your pension, 401(k), and IRAs.
The state does not tax your Social Security benefits.
The state does offer an income tax exemption on the first $20,000 ($40,000 for married couples) for those over the age of 59½.
How much does housing cost in New York City?
Housing is one of the main reasons why the cost of living in New York City is incredibly steep compared to the rest of the US.
Housing costs in the Big Apple are 228% more expensive than the national average.
However, housing prices vary considerably from location to location. You would pay significantly more for a Manhattan apartment than you would for a home in the Bronx.
You can get a basic idea of NYC average home prices in the map below:
Owning your home in New York is rare.
According to the Office of the New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, just over 30% of all New Yorkers own their home, making NYC a city of renters.
According to Zillow Rentals Data, New York's median rent is $3,400, with people paying anywhere between $375 and $140,000 monthly for their accommodation.
What is the average cost of utilities in New York City?
Depending on the size of your household, you can expect to spend between $150 and $250 on utilities such as electricity, gas, cooling, and waste management.
Water and heating are often included in the cost of your rent.
On top of those expenses, you also need to consider how much you’ll pay for your cellphone, internet, and whatever streaming services you choose to buy. The average cost of internet is around $65 per month, cell phone bills are an average of $141, and basic streaming services, such as Netflix and Disney+, range between $7 and $10 per month.
One final cost to consider if you live in NYC is the price of cleaning your clothes. An in-unit washer/dryer is a luxury in NYC, with most people having to trek to the laundromat instead. Depending on where you go, this can come out to $1 per 10 pounds of washing.
What are the average grocery and food costs in New York City?
The average food and grocery prices in the city are approximately 26% higher than the national average.
According to Housing Anywhere, the real estate company, a single person in New York City should budget between $400 and $500 per month for food.
This does not include eating out, which can cost between $30 and $70 per person, depending on the restaurant you visit.
What are the average transportation costs in New York City?
According to the Office of the New York State Comptroller, transportation in NYC was 14% of overall household spending in 2022-2023.
The same research showed that in New York, the average spend per household is $12,700.
It also found that 48% of lower-income households are more likely to use public transport, while only 38% of wealthier households rely on the system.
Thanks to the extensive public transportation network, car ownership is not essential.
A car can significantly increase the average cost of living in New York City, especially when you factor in the initial upfront cost and then parking and gas.
How much does healthcare cost in New York City?
Depending on your circumstances, healthcare might be an important consideration when determining the cost of living in New York City.
Healthcare services in the city are approximately 10%-12% more expensive than in the rest of the US, depending on your unique situation.
According to federal survey data for 2023, New York's average premium for employer-sponsored single coverage was $9,173. This is the third highest in the country and 12% of the national average.
The cost rises to $26,355 for the average family, the second highest nationwide and 10% higher than the national average.
What is the average childcare cost in New York City?
Childcare prices across the country are notoriously high, and this is no different in New York City.
According to a state survey of childcare providers by the Office of Children and Family Services, Montessori preschool programs and daycare can range between $2,000 and $4,000 a month, depending on which neighborhood you live in.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor, families are spending over 25% of their income to pay for childcare in the city.
While there are subsidies and assistance programs that can help lower childcare costs and, in turn, reduce the cost of living in New York City, childcare is an impact factor to consider.
How can I manage the cost of living in New York City?
Whether newcomers or native New Yorkers, many people wonder how they can better manage the cost of living in New York City. Trusted financial advisors suggest starting with these tips:
Avoid spending more than 25% of your monthly take-home pay on rent or mortgage payments, as this could make it more difficult to save for goals and prepare for emergencies. Consider moving to a more affordable neighborhood if that will help reduce your monthly expenses.
Monitor your expenses so you can create a detailed budget and financial plan. See if you can find ways to supplement your monthly income and lower your expenses with the goal of redirecting that money.
Find a financial advisor you can trust to help you budget, plan, invest, and save effectively. Let Unbiased match you with a regulated advisor.
How much does it cost to live in New York City?
While some aspects of life in NYC contribute to your expenses, such as high local and state taxes, your personal preferences also determine the cost of living in New York City.
While only a guide, the average salary can give you an idea of what the average New Yorker earns.
According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary in NYC is $51,239 per year or $4,269 per month.
What is the cost of living in New York City for a single person?
According to Numbeo, the average monthly cost of living for a single person living in New York City is $1,697.80, minus rent.
If you add the median rent of $3,400, this brings the monthly cost to $5,097.80.
This figure does not include insurance or healthcare expenses, which will raise the overall costs even higher.
Get expert financial advice
It's important to seek a bit of trustworthy and professional advice when making any kind of financial decision.
Unbiased can connect you to a financial advisor to learn more about the cost of living and for expert financial advice.
Let Unbiased match you with the advisor who is best able to assist with your needs.
Senior Content Writer
Rachel is a Senior Content Writer at Unbiased. She has nearly a decade of experience writing and producing content across a range of different sectors.