Cost of Living in Elmira Heights, NY

Population 4,254 · New York · Data vintage 2023

44
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Elmira Heights sits on the smaller end of the New York city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. A poverty rate near 28% adds context to the income figures — well above the US average, and worth factoring into any comparison with cities on the coasts or in the Rockies.

Elmira Heights is about 70 miles southwest of Syracuse, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 22% lower than Syracuse's $125,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 32
Rent 61

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

About the Cost of Living in Elmira Heights

The median home value in Elmira Heights is $98,200 — 68% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $807/month, 39% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $54,634/year is 27% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.9%, 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 59.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Elmira Heights has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$98,200
68% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$192,584
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$807/mo
39% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
10.1x
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 55.4%
Renter-occupied 44.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$807
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,421/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
18.2 min
33% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
7.7%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
84.5%
Carpooled
6.5%
Walked
0.8%
Work from home
7.7%

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
$54,634
27% below avg
Per Capita Income
$37,738
Unemployment Rate
3.9%
19% below avg
Poverty Rate
28.0%
Labor Force Participation
60.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 15.8%
Graduate degree 2.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 42.3
Male median age 47
Female median age 40.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.0°F
Avg Low
37.1°F
Annual Precip
32.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343645587078828173614939
Low °F 161724344454585749393023
Precip" 1.661.342.392.812.983.503.363.583.473.022.212.04

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

77%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.9:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,095
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Elmira Heights, NY?

Elmira Heights has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.

What is average rent in Elmira Heights, NY?

The median gross rent in Elmira Heights is $807 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Elmira Heights?

The median home value in Elmira Heights is $98,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Elmira Heights?

The median household income in Elmira Heights is $54,634 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Elmira Heights, NY?

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

Is Elmira Heights, NY affordable?

Yes, Elmira Heights is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 44 — about 56% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Elmira Heights?

Elmira Heights has average high temperatures of 59.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Elmira Heights at a Glance

Population
4,254
Median Income
$54,634
Home Value
$98,200
Median Rent
$807/mo
Unemployment
3.9%
Avg High Temp
59.0°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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