Cost of Living in Oswego, NY
Population 17,028 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Oswego sits on the smaller end of the New York city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Located 35 miles northwest of Syracuse, Oswego falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 8% lower than Syracuse's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Oswego
The median home value in Oswego is $114,600 — 62% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,031/month, 22% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,286/year is 29% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.5%, 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 56.2°F and lows of 38.3°F. Overall, Oswego has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% 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 | 31 | 33 | 41 | 55 | 68 | 76 | 80 | 79 | 72 | 59 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 16 | 17 | 25 | 35 | 46 | 55 | 60 | 59 | 51 | 42 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 2.69 | 2.16 | 2.62 | 3.27 | 3.49 | 3.24 | 3.70 | 3.28 | 3.62 | 4.48 | 3.83 | 3.18 |
💨 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 Oswego, NY?
Oswego has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.
What is average rent in Oswego, NY?
The median gross rent in Oswego is $1,031 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Oswego?
The median home value in Oswego is $114,600 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Oswego?
The median household income in Oswego is $53,286 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Oswego, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Oswego is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Oswego, NY affordable?
Yes, Oswego is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 54 — about 46% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Oswego?
Oswego has average high temperatures of 56.2°F and average lows of 38.3°F. Annual precipitation is 39.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Oswego at a Glance
- Population
- 17,028
- Median Income
- $53,286
- Home Value
- $114,600
- Median Rent
- $1,031/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.5%
- Avg High Temp
- 56.2°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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