Cost of Living in Plainview, NY
Population 26,251 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Plainview run well above the national baseline, with a median of $729,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $185,531 place the city among the better-paid New York metros.
Plainview sits roughly 20 miles south of Stamford — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 19% higher than Stamford's $614,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plainview
The median home value in Plainview is $729,100 — 139% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,026/month, 130% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $185,531/year is 149% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.3%, 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 45.9°F. Overall, Plainview has a cost of living index of 236 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 136% more 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 | 39 | 41 | 48 | 58 | 68 | 77 | 83 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 53 | 44 |
| Low °F | 25 | 26 | 33 | 42 | 51 | 61 | 68 | 67 | 60 | 48 | 38 | 31 |
| Precip" | 2.69 | 2.03 | 3.46 | 3.61 | 3.18 | 3.45 | 3.05 | 3.25 | 3.66 | 3.37 | 2.93 | 3.60 |
💨 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 Plainview, NY?
Plainview has a cost index of 236 (100 = national average). It is 136% above the national average.
What is average rent in Plainview, NY?
The median gross rent in Plainview is $3,026 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plainview?
The median home value in Plainview is $729,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Plainview?
The median household income in Plainview is $185,531 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plainview, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plainview is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Plainview, NY affordable?
Plainview is above average in cost of living, with an index of 236 — about 136% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Plainview?
Plainview 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.
Plainview at a Glance
- Population
- 26,251
- Median Income
- $185,531
- Home Value
- $729,100
- Median Rent
- $3,026/mo
- Unemployment
- 3.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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