Cost of Living in Highland, NY

Population 6,321 · New York · Data vintage 2023

119
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Under 25,000 residents gives Highland a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $364,000. An unemployment rate of 3.0% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Located 50 miles west of Waterbury, Highland falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 96% higher than Waterbury's $185,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 119
Rent 119

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

About the Cost of Living in Highland

The median home value in Highland is $364,000 — 19% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,569/month, 19% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $99,010/year is 33% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.0%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 39.9°F. Overall, Highland has a cost of living index of 119 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 19% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$364,000
19% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$409,969
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,569/mo
19% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
19.3x
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 63.6%
Renter-occupied 36.4%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,569
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,183/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
30.2 min
12% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
14.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.3%
Carpooled
10.7%
Public transit
2.7%
Walked
0.9%
Bicycle
2.3%
Work from home
14.3%

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
$99,010
33% above avg
Per Capita Income
$52,864
Unemployment Rate
3.0%
38% below avg
Poverty Rate
7.9%
Labor Force Participation
65.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 27.9%
Graduate degree 19.8%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41
Male median age 45.3
Female median age 36.7

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
39.9°F
Annual Precip
41.9"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 363948617180858375635141
Low °F 182027384857626153413224
Precip" 2.822.213.093.623.473.913.784.284.333.733.273.39

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

87%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11.8:1
Student-teacher ratio
3
Public schools
1,699
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Highland, NY?

Highland has a cost index of 119 (100 = national average). It is 19% above the national average.

What is average rent in Highland, NY?

The median gross rent in Highland is $1,569 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Highland?

The median home value in Highland is $364,000 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Highland?

The median household income in Highland is $99,010 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Highland, NY?

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

Is Highland, NY affordable?

Highland is above average in cost of living, with an index of 119 — about 19% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Highland?

Highland has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 39.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Highland at a Glance

Population
6,321
Median Income
$99,010
Home Value
$364,000
Median Rent
$1,569/mo
Unemployment
3.0%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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