Cost of Living in Brookhaven, NY

Population 3,080 · New York · Data vintage 2023

172
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Brookhaven sits 89% above the national median — $577,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $95,345 (28% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 12.9%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 30 miles southeast of Bridgeport, Brookhaven falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 129% higher than Bridgeport's $252,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 189
Rent 145

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

About the Cost of Living in Brookhaven

The median home value in Brookhaven is $577,000 — 89% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,908/month, 45% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $95,345/year is 28% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 12.9%, 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 60.8°F and lows of 44.0°F. Overall, Brookhaven has a cost of living index of 172 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 72% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$577,000
89% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$75,901
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,908/mo
45% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
25.2x
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 74.2%
Renter-occupied 25.9%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,908
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,522/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
28.7 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.9%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
77.6%
Carpooled
6.6%
Public transit
2.9%
Work from home
10.9%

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
$95,345
28% above avg
Per Capita Income
$47,912
Unemployment Rate
12.9%
168% above avg
Poverty Rate
17.4%
Labor Force Participation
58.0%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.1%
Graduate degree 17.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 49.9
Male median age 53.7
Female median age 45.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.8°F
Avg Low
44.0°F
Annual Precip
44.2"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394147586877838174645445
Low °F 242531404960666557463729
Precip" 2.973.104.624.063.473.703.243.043.903.993.654.50

💨 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 Brookhaven, NY?

Brookhaven has a cost index of 172 (100 = national average). It is 72% above the national average.

What is average rent in Brookhaven, NY?

The median gross rent in Brookhaven is $1,908 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Brookhaven?

The median home value in Brookhaven is $577,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Brookhaven?

The median household income in Brookhaven is $95,345 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Brookhaven, NY?

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

Is Brookhaven, NY affordable?

Brookhaven is above average in cost of living, with an index of 172 — about 72% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Brookhaven?

Brookhaven has average high temperatures of 60.8°F and average lows of 44.0°F. Annual precipitation is 44.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Brookhaven at a Glance

Population
3,080
Median Income
$95,345
Home Value
$577,000
Median Rent
$1,908/mo
Unemployment
12.9%
Avg High Temp
60.8°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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