Cost of Living in Elma Center, NY
Population 3,091 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elma Center is a smaller New York community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $115,859 and housing costs ($409,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.9% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Elma Center sits roughly 12 miles east of Buffalo — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 169% higher than Buffalo's $152,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elma Center
The median home value in Elma Center is $409,000 — 34% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,367/month, 4% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $115,859/year is 55% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.9%, 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 56.8°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 95.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Elma Center has a cost of living index of 122 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 22% more expensive.
Elma Center has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 Housing
HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom
💰 Estimated Monthly Budget
Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.
🛒 Food & Groceries
National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.
🚗 Transportation
Commute Mode
⚡ Utilities
📋 Taxes
💼 Income & Employment
🎓 Education
👥 Demographics
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 19 | 20 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 58 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.35 | 2.49 | 2.89 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.23 | 3.23 | 4.10 | 4.03 | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Snow" | 26.7 | 18.1 | 14.1 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 7.8 | 25.3 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elma Center, NY?
Elma Center has a cost index of 122 (100 = national average). It is 22% above the national average.
What is average rent in Elma Center, NY?
The median gross rent in Elma Center is $1,367 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elma Center?
The median home value in Elma Center is $409,000 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Elma Center?
The median household income in Elma Center is $115,859 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elma Center, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elma Center is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Elma Center, NY affordable?
Elma Center is above average in cost of living, with an index of 122 — about 22% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Elma Center?
Elma Center has average high temperatures of 56.8°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 95.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Elma Center at a Glance
- Population
- 3,091
- Median Income
- $115,859
- Home Value
- $409,000
- Median Rent
- $1,367/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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