Cost of Living in Auburn, NY

Population 26,475 · New York · Data vintage 2023

55
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Auburn lands reasonably close to national benchmarks on most cost indicators, with a median home value of $144,000 — 53% below the US figure. That makes it a useful reference point for comparing with more extreme markets in New York.

Geographically, Auburn sits roughly 25 miles west of Syracuse. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 47
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Auburn

The median home value in Auburn is $143,600 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $867/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,377/year is 34% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.2%, above the national average of 4.8%. New York's top state income tax rate is 10.9% and the combined sales tax is 8.5%. The climate averages highs of 57.6°F and lows of 39.4°F, with about 127.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Auburn has a cost of living index of 55 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 45% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$143,600
53% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$210,942
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$867/mo
34% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,147/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.8x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 49.5%
Renter-occupied 50.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$867
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,481/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
20.7 min
23% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
3.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.7%
Carpooled
10.4%
Public transit
1.0%
Walked
4.5%
Work from home
3.9%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$49,377
34% below avg
Per Capita Income
$29,474
Unemployment Rate
5.2%
8% above avg
Poverty Rate
20.0%
Labor Force Participation
56.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.6%
Graduate degree 7.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40
Male median age 38.7
Female median age 41.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.6°F
Avg Low
39.4°F
Annual Precip
39.9"
Annual Snowfall
127.8"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 323442566977828073604837
Low °F 171825364757626053423324
Precip" 2.582.463.043.483.423.563.863.703.383.893.233.28
Snow" 34.030.319.83.00.10.00.00.00.00.29.830.6

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

72%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.2:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
4,196
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Auburn, NY?

Auburn has a cost index of 55 (100 = national average). It is 45% below the national average.

What is average rent in Auburn, NY?

The median gross rent in Auburn is $867 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Auburn?

The median home value in Auburn is $143,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Auburn?

The median household income in Auburn is $49,377 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Auburn, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Auburn is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is Auburn, NY affordable?

Yes, Auburn is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 55 — about 45% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Auburn?

Auburn has average high temperatures of 57.6°F and average lows of 39.4°F. Annual precipitation is 39.9". Average annual snowfall is 127.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Auburn at a Glance

Population
26,475
Median Income
$49,377
Home Value
$143,600
Median Rent
$867/mo
Unemployment
5.2%
Avg High Temp
57.6°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
View all cities in New York →
🗺️ County data for New York

Explore county-level cost of living data

Similar Cost Cities

Cities in other states with comparable housing costs