Cost of Living in Melville, NY

Population 19,187 · New York · Data vintage 2023

260
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in Melville sits 155% above the national median — $778,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $155,675 (109% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros. At 8.4%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 20 miles southeast of Stamford, Melville falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 27% higher than Stamford's $614,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 255
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Melville

The median home value in Melville is $778,400 — 155% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $155,675/year is 109% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.4%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 45.9°F. Overall, Melville has a cost of living index of 260 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 160% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$778,400
155% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$915,240
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.5x
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 87.5%
Renter-occupied 12.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/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
34.5 min
28% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
13.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.8%
Carpooled
8.0%
Public transit
9.6%
Walked
0.3%
Work from home
13.0%

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
$155,675
109% above avg
Per Capita Income
$90,255
Unemployment Rate
8.4%
74% above avg
Poverty Rate
4.4%
Labor Force Participation
63.1%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 29.1%
Graduate degree 33.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 50.8
Male median age 47.4
Female median age 53.4

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
45.9°F
Annual Precip
38.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394148586877838275645344
Low °F 252633425161686760483831
Precip" 2.692.033.463.613.183.453.053.253.663.372.933.60

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
76.2%
Good air days/yr
195
Max AQI recorded
86
PM2.5 days
278
Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Melville, NY?

Melville has a cost index of 260 (100 = national average). It is 160% above the national average.

What is average rent in Melville, NY?

The median gross rent in Melville is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Melville?

The median home value in Melville is $778,400 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Melville?

The median household income in Melville is $155,675 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Melville, NY?

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

Is Melville, NY affordable?

Melville is above average in cost of living, with an index of 260 — about 160% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Melville?

Melville has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 45.9°F. Annual precipitation is 38.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Melville at a Glance

Population
19,187
Median Income
$155,675
Home Value
$778,400
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
8.4%
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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