Cost of Living in Scarsdale, NY

Population 18,005 · New York · Data vintage 2023

442
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing prices in Scarsdale cluster toward the top of the US distribution — a median of $1.7 million, roughly 6 times the national figure, consistent with markets dominated by nonresident and vacation-home buyers.

Scarsdale sits roughly 6 miles northeast of Yonkers — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 256% higher than Yonkers' $478,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 559
Rent 266

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

About the Cost of Living in Scarsdale

The median home value in Scarsdale is $1,703,800 — 459% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,501/month, 166% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $250,001/year is 235% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.5%, 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 60.6°F and lows of 43.4°F. Overall, Scarsdale has a cost of living index of 442 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 342% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$1,703,800
459% above avg
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
166% above avg
Zillow Rent
$4,689/mo
Zillow ZORI
Price-to-Rent Ratio
40.6x
Favors renting
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 92.2%
Renter-occupied 7.8%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$3,501
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $4,115/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
45.8 min
70% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
33.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
27.9%
Carpooled
4.9%
Public transit
29.8%
Walked
3.1%
Work from home
33.2%

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
$250,001
235% above avg
Per Capita Income
$181,917
Unemployment Rate
4.5%
7% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.4%
Labor Force Participation
65.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.0%
Graduate degree 64.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 41.4
Male median age 41.7
Female median age 41

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
60.6°F
Avg Low
43.4°F
Annual Precip
47.8"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 374048596978838174635242
Low °F 222431405059656457463628
Precip" 3.202.534.114.203.944.254.074.364.944.333.644.18

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 39 — Good
78.6%
Good air days/yr
198
Max AQI recorded
144
PM2.5 days
221
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

97.7%
4-Year Graduation Rate
12.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
10
Public schools
6,847
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scarsdale, NY?

Scarsdale has a cost index of 442 (100 = national average). It is 342% above the national average.

What is average rent in Scarsdale, NY?

The median gross rent in Scarsdale is $3,501 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scarsdale?

The median home value in Scarsdale is $1,703,800 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in Scarsdale?

The median household income in Scarsdale is $250,001 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scarsdale, NY?

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

Is Scarsdale, NY affordable?

Scarsdale is above average in cost of living, with an index of 442 — about 342% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in Scarsdale?

Scarsdale has average high temperatures of 60.6°F and average lows of 43.4°F. Annual precipitation is 47.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Scarsdale at a Glance

Population
18,005
Median Income
$250,001
Home Value
$1,703,800
Median Rent
$3,501/mo
Unemployment
4.5%
Avg High Temp
60.6°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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