Cost of Living in Rome, NY

Population 31,795 · New York · Data vintage 2023

54
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

The Rome cost-of-living profile is closer to the US median than most headline-grabbing metros — typical homes around $137,000, rents near $871 a month. At 6.8%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.

Located 35 miles east of Syracuse, Rome falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 10% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 45
Rent 66

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in Rome

The median home value in Rome is $137,200 — 55% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $871/month, 34% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $58,857/year is 21% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.8%, 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 56.4°F and lows of 36.9°F. Overall, Rome has a cost of living index of 54 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 46% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$137,200
55% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$199,530
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$871/mo
34% below avg
Zillow Rent
$1,245/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
13.1x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 55.4%
Renter-occupied 44.6%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$871
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,485/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.8 min
27% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
73.3%
Carpooled
10.5%
Public transit
0.1%
Walked
2.6%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
12.6%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$58,857
21% below avg
Per Capita Income
$31,946
Unemployment Rate
6.8%
42% above avg
Poverty Rate
18.1%
Labor Force Participation
53.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 12.5%
Graduate degree 9.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 40.4
Male median age 38.8
Female median age 42.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
56.4°F
Avg Low
36.9°F
Annual Precip
43.8"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 303241556976817972594736
Low °F 131323344555605851413121
Precip" 2.502.373.433.724.464.204.253.603.954.673.722.95

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 32 — Good
78.3%
Good air days/yr
190
Max AQI recorded
351
PM2.5 days
0
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

75%
4-Year Graduation Rate
13.3:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
5,541
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Rome, NY?

Rome has a cost index of 54 (100 = national average). It is 46% below the national average.

What is average rent in Rome, NY?

The median gross rent in Rome is $871 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Rome?

The median home value in Rome is $137,200 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Rome?

The median household income in Rome is $58,857 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Rome, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in Rome is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is Rome, NY affordable?

Yes, Rome 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 Rome?

Rome has average high temperatures of 56.4°F and average lows of 36.9°F. Annual precipitation is 43.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Rome at a Glance

Population
31,795
Median Income
$58,857
Home Value
$137,200
Median Rent
$871/mo
Unemployment
6.8%
Avg High Temp
56.4°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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