Cost of Living in Plattsburgh, NY
Population 19,878 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Under 25,000 residents gives Plattsburgh a small-town character that shows up in every data point below — from the commute patterns to the rental inventory. A typical home runs $190,000. A poverty rate near 24% 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.
Plattsburgh lies roughly 140 miles north of the nearest major metro, Albany — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% lower than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Plattsburgh
The median home value in Plattsburgh is $189,600 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $964/month, 27% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $53,962/year is 28% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.0%, 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 55.3°F and lows of 35.2°F. Overall, Plattsburgh has a cost of living index of 67 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 33% 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 | 28 | 31 | 40 | 54 | 68 | 75 | 81 | 79 | 71 | 58 | 46 | 34 |
| Low °F | 10 | 11 | 21 | 33 | 44 | 53 | 59 | 57 | 49 | 38 | 29 | 19 |
| Precip" | 1.41 | 1.22 | 1.33 | 2.55 | 2.88 | 4.07 | 3.61 | 3.58 | 3.11 | 3.04 | 2.33 | 1.76 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Plattsburgh, NY?
Plattsburgh has a cost index of 67 (100 = national average). It is 33% below the national average.
What is average rent in Plattsburgh, NY?
The median gross rent in Plattsburgh is $964 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Plattsburgh?
The median home value in Plattsburgh is $189,600 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Plattsburgh?
The median household income in Plattsburgh is $53,962 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Plattsburgh, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Plattsburgh is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Plattsburgh, NY affordable?
Yes, Plattsburgh is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 67 — about 33% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Plattsburgh?
Plattsburgh has average high temperatures of 55.3°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 30.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Plattsburgh at a Glance
- Population
- 19,878
- Median Income
- $53,962
- Home Value
- $189,600
- Median Rent
- $964/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.3°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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New York Rankings
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