Cost of Living in Lackawanna, NY
Population 19,779 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
At $48,185, median household incomes in Lackawanna land roughly 35% below the US median, a gap that tends to persist across local labor-market indicators. A poverty rate near 23% 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.
Located 5 miles south of Buffalo, Lackawanna falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than Buffalo's $152,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Lackawanna
The median home value in Lackawanna is $126,500 — 59% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $823/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $48,185/year is 35% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.6%, 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 56.8°F and lows of 40.9°F, with about 95.4" of annual snowfall. Overall, Lackawanna has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% 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 | 32 | 33 | 42 | 55 | 67 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 37 |
| Low °F | 19 | 20 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 58 | 63 | 62 | 55 | 44 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.35 | 2.49 | 2.89 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.37 | 3.23 | 3.23 | 4.10 | 4.03 | 3.50 | 3.75 |
| Snow" | 26.7 | 18.1 | 14.1 | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 7.8 | 25.3 |
💨 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 Lackawanna, NY?
Lackawanna has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Lackawanna, NY?
The median gross rent in Lackawanna is $823 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Lackawanna?
The median home value in Lackawanna is $126,500 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Lackawanna?
The median household income in Lackawanna is $48,185 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Lackawanna, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Lackawanna is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Lackawanna, NY affordable?
Yes, Lackawanna is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Lackawanna?
Lackawanna has average high temperatures of 56.8°F and average lows of 40.9°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 95.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Lackawanna at a Glance
- Population
- 19,779
- Median Income
- $48,185
- Home Value
- $126,500
- Median Rent
- $823/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.6%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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