Cost of Living in Highland-on-the-Lake, NY

Population 3,701 · New York · Data vintage 2023

64
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Highland-on-the-Lake can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $168,000 against $85,616 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.7% — below most comparable cities in the state.

Geographically, Highland-on-the-Lake sits roughly 15 miles southwest of Buffalo. Median home values run roughly 11% higher than Buffalo's $152,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 55
Rent 77

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

About the Cost of Living in Highland-on-the-Lake

The median home value in Highland-on-the-Lake is $168,400 — 45% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,012/month, 23% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $85,616/year is 15% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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 57.5°F and lows of 40.0°F. Overall, Highland-on-the-Lake has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$168,400
45% below avg
Median Rent
$1,012/mo
23% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.9x
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 80.4%
Renter-occupied 19.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,012
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,626/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
28.6 min
6% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
5.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
85.2%
Carpooled
8.4%
Public transit
0.2%
Walked
0.6%
Work from home
5.3%

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
$85,616
15% above avg
Per Capita Income
$38,287
Unemployment Rate
2.7%
43% below avg
Poverty Rate
18.0%
Labor Force Participation
53.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 13.0%
Graduate degree 6.4%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.7
Male median age 48.8
Female median age 55.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
57.5°F
Avg Low
40.0°F
Annual Precip
33"
10° 28° 45° 63° 80° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343543556776807972614939
Low °F 191925354656616053443427
Precip" 1.661.211.732.783.082.703.653.303.553.863.092.38

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 48 — Good
54.2%
Good air days/yr
176
Max AQI recorded
275
PM2.5 days
86
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Highland-on-the-Lake, NY?

Highland-on-the-Lake has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.

What is average rent in Highland-on-the-Lake, NY?

The median gross rent in Highland-on-the-Lake is $1,012 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Highland-on-the-Lake?

The median home value in Highland-on-the-Lake is $168,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Highland-on-the-Lake?

The median household income in Highland-on-the-Lake is $85,616 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Highland-on-the-Lake, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Highland-on-the-Lake is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is Highland-on-the-Lake, NY affordable?

Yes, Highland-on-the-Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Highland-on-the-Lake?

Highland-on-the-Lake has average high temperatures of 57.5°F and average lows of 40.0°F. Annual precipitation is 33". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Highland-on-the-Lake at a Glance

Population
3,701
Median Income
$85,616
Home Value
$168,400
Median Rent
$1,012/mo
Unemployment
2.7%
Avg High Temp
57.5°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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