Cost of Living in Potsdam, NY
Population 8,507 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Household incomes in Potsdam run well below national norms — a median of $32,061 versus the $74,580 US figure. Housing costs partially offset that gap (typical home values around $144,000). Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.0% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Potsdam lies roughly 125 miles northeast of the nearest major metro, Syracuse — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 15% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Potsdam
The median home value in Potsdam is $144,200 — 53% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $819/month, 38% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $32,061/year is 57% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.0%, 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 54.7°F and lows of 34.5°F, with about 77.3" of annual snowfall. Overall, Potsdam has a cost of living index of 53 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 47% less expensive.
Potsdam has limited residential data
Detailed housing and income data is limited for this location. Here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:
🏠 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 | 27 | 30 | 39 | 53 | 67 | 75 | 80 | 78 | 71 | 58 | 45 | 34 |
| Low °F | 7 | 8 | 19 | 33 | 45 | 55 | 59 | 57 | 49 | 38 | 28 | 16 |
| Precip" | 2.23 | 1.99 | 2.29 | 3.05 | 3.15 | 3.82 | 3.92 | 3.41 | 3.94 | 4.85 | 2.91 | 2.63 |
| Snow" | 18.9 | 17.5 | 12.5 | 3.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.2 | 5.1 | 19.6 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Potsdam, NY?
Potsdam has a cost index of 53 (100 = national average). It is 47% below the national average.
What is average rent in Potsdam, NY?
The median gross rent in Potsdam is $819 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Potsdam?
The median home value in Potsdam is $144,200 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Potsdam?
The median household income in Potsdam is $32,061 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Potsdam, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Potsdam is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Potsdam, NY affordable?
Yes, Potsdam is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 53 — about 47% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Potsdam?
Potsdam has average high temperatures of 54.7°F and average lows of 34.5°F. Annual precipitation is 38.2". Average annual snowfall is 77.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Potsdam at a Glance
- Population
- 8,507
- Median Income
- $32,061
- Home Value
- $144,200
- Median Rent
- $819/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.0%
- Avg High Temp
- 54.7°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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