Cost of Living in Riverhead, NY
Population 15,073 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Riverhead is a smaller New York community of around 15000 residents, where median household incomes of $83,521 and housing costs ($449,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. Unemployment has stayed elevated relative to the national figure — 7.3% as of the most recent ACS release — which shows up in household-income and poverty figures as well.
Located 30 miles southeast of New Haven, Riverhead falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 80% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Riverhead
The median home value in Riverhead is $449,000 — 47% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,208/month, 68% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $83,521/year is 12% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 7.3%, 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 60.0°F and lows of 40.4°F. Overall, Riverhead has a cost of living index of 156 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 56% 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 | 40 | 47 | 57 | 66 | 75 | 81 | 80 | 74 | 63 | 53 | 45 |
| Low °F | 20 | 21 | 28 | 36 | 46 | 56 | 63 | 61 | 54 | 43 | 34 | 26 |
| Precip" | 3.19 | 2.72 | 4.28 | 3.79 | 3.31 | 3.50 | 2.88 | 3.74 | 3.75 | 4.65 | 3.48 | 4.17 |
💨 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 Riverhead, NY?
Riverhead has a cost index of 156 (100 = national average). It is 56% above the national average.
What is average rent in Riverhead, NY?
The median gross rent in Riverhead is $2,208 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Riverhead?
The median home value in Riverhead is $449,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Riverhead?
The median household income in Riverhead is $83,521 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Riverhead, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Riverhead is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Riverhead, NY affordable?
Riverhead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 156 — about 56% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Riverhead?
Riverhead has average high temperatures of 60.0°F and average lows of 40.4°F. Annual precipitation is 43.5". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Riverhead at a Glance
- Population
- 15,073
- Median Income
- $83,521
- Home Value
- $449,000
- Median Rent
- $2,208/mo
- Unemployment
- 7.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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New York Rankings
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