Cost of Living in Elmira, NY
Population 26,349 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Elmira's median household income of $43,089 is a meaningful share below the national figure, which shapes most of the downstream economic indicators — from housing affordability to the share of residents living below the poverty line (27% here). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 9.4% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Elmira is about 75 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 29% lower than Syracuse's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Elmira
The median home value in Elmira is $88,200 — 71% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $871/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $43,089/year is 42% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 9.4%, 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 59.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, Elmira has a cost of living index of 44 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% less expensive.
🏠 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 | 34 | 36 | 45 | 58 | 70 | 78 | 82 | 81 | 73 | 61 | 49 | 39 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 24 | 34 | 44 | 54 | 58 | 57 | 49 | 39 | 30 | 23 |
| Precip" | 1.66 | 1.34 | 2.39 | 2.81 | 2.98 | 3.50 | 3.36 | 3.58 | 3.47 | 3.02 | 2.21 | 2.04 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Elmira, NY?
Elmira has a cost index of 44 (100 = national average). It is 56% below the national average.
What is average rent in Elmira, NY?
The median gross rent in Elmira is $871 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Elmira?
The median home value in Elmira is $88,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Elmira?
The median household income in Elmira is $43,089 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Elmira, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Elmira is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Elmira, NY affordable?
Yes, Elmira 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?
Elmira 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 at a Glance
- Population
- 26,349
- Median Income
- $43,089
- Home Value
- $88,200
- Median Rent
- $871/mo
- Unemployment
- 9.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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