Cost of Living in Brightwaters, NY

Population 3,185 · New York · Data vintage 2023

200
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Brightwaters sits 133% above the national median — $711,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $203,750 (173% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

Brightwaters is about 30 miles southeast of Stamford, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 16% higher than Stamford's $614,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 233
Rent 151

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

About the Cost of Living in Brightwaters

The median home value in Brightwaters is $710,600 — 133% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,986/month, 51% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $203,750/year is 173% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.5%, below 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 61.1°F and lows of 45.9°F. Overall, Brightwaters has a cost of living index of 200 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 100% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$710,600
133% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$244,539
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,986/mo
51% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
29.8x
Favors renting
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 96.2%
Renter-occupied 3.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,986
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,600/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
31.0 min
15% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
19.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
67.4%
Carpooled
2.5%
Public transit
5.7%
Walked
2.0%
Work from home
19.6%

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
$203,750
173% above avg
Per Capita Income
$75,431
Unemployment Rate
3.5%
27% below avg
Poverty Rate
0.2%
Labor Force Participation
70.3%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 28.0%
Graduate degree 29.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.4
Male median age 42
Female median age 38.8

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
45.9°F
Annual Precip
38.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394148586877838275645344
Low °F 252633425161686760483831
Precip" 2.692.033.463.613.183.453.053.253.663.372.933.60

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
76.2%
Good air days/yr
195
Max AQI recorded
86
PM2.5 days
278
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Brightwaters, NY?

Brightwaters has a cost index of 200 (100 = national average). It is 100% above the national average.

What is average rent in Brightwaters, NY?

The median gross rent in Brightwaters is $1,986 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brightwaters?

The median home value in Brightwaters is $710,600 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Brightwaters?

The median household income in Brightwaters is $203,750 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brightwaters, NY?

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

Is Brightwaters, NY affordable?

Brightwaters is above average in cost of living, with an index of 200 — about 100% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Brightwaters?

Brightwaters has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 45.9°F. Annual precipitation is 38.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Brightwaters at a Glance

Population
3,185
Median Income
$203,750
Home Value
$710,600
Median Rent
$1,986/mo
Unemployment
3.5%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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