Cost of Living in Saranac Lake, NY
Population 5,099 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Saranac Lake is a smaller New York community of around 5000 residents, where median household incomes of $60,494 and housing costs ($189,000 for a typical home) give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. An unemployment rate of 2.7% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.
Located 115 miles north of Albany, Saranac Lake is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. 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 Saranac Lake
The median home value in Saranac Lake is $188,900 — 38% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $826/month, 37% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $60,494/year is 19% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.7%, 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 51.8°F and lows of 27.6°F. Overall, Saranac Lake has a cost of living index of 62 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 38% less expensive.
Saranac Lake 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 | 25 | 28 | 37 | 50 | 64 | 72 | 77 | 75 | 68 | 54 | 42 | 30 |
| Low °F | 2 | 3 | 12 | 26 | 37 | 46 | 51 | 49 | 41 | 32 | 22 | 11 |
| Precip" | 1.94 | 1.50 | 2.04 | 3.09 | 3.70 | 4.36 | 4.06 | 3.56 | 3.47 | 3.85 | 2.84 | 2.20 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Saranac Lake, NY?
Saranac Lake has a cost index of 62 (100 = national average). It is 38% below the national average.
What is average rent in Saranac Lake, NY?
The median gross rent in Saranac Lake is $826 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Saranac Lake?
The median home value in Saranac Lake is $188,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Saranac Lake?
The median household income in Saranac Lake is $60,494 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Saranac Lake, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Saranac Lake is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Saranac Lake, NY affordable?
Yes, Saranac Lake is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 62 — about 38% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Saranac Lake?
Saranac Lake has average high temperatures of 51.8°F and average lows of 27.6°F. Annual precipitation is 36.6". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Saranac Lake at a Glance
- Population
- 5,099
- Median Income
- $60,494
- Home Value
- $188,900
- Median Rent
- $826/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 51.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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New York Rankings
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