Cost of Living in Jamestown, NY
Population 28,401 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Jamestown's median household income of $44,878 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 (24% here). At 8.6%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Located 60 miles southwest of Buffalo, Jamestown is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 48% lower than Buffalo's $152,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Jamestown
The median home value in Jamestown is $79,100 — 74% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $755/month, 43% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $44,878/year is 40% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.6%, 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 57.5°F and lows of 40.0°F. Overall, Jamestown has a cost of living index of 39 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 61% 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 | 35 | 43 | 55 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 61 | 49 | 39 |
| Low °F | 19 | 19 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 56 | 61 | 60 | 53 | 44 | 34 | 27 |
| Precip" | 1.66 | 1.21 | 1.73 | 2.78 | 3.08 | 2.70 | 3.65 | 3.30 | 3.55 | 3.86 | 3.09 | 2.38 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Jamestown, NY?
Jamestown has a cost index of 39 (100 = national average). It is 61% below the national average.
What is average rent in Jamestown, NY?
The median gross rent in Jamestown is $755 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Jamestown?
The median home value in Jamestown is $79,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Jamestown?
The median household income in Jamestown is $44,878 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Jamestown, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Jamestown is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Jamestown, NY affordable?
Yes, Jamestown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 39 — about 61% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Jamestown?
Jamestown 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.
Jamestown at a Glance
- Population
- 28,401
- Median Income
- $44,878
- Home Value
- $79,100
- Median Rent
- $755/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.5°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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