Cost of Living in Schenectady, NY
Population 68,521 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Most of Schenectady's cost indicators track within a reasonable band of national figures, with median household incomes near $56,398 — a more representative starting point for relocation math than the headline-expensive or headline-cheap cities on either tail. Around 23% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Schenectady sits roughly 11 miles northwest of Albany — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 32% lower than Albany's $223,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Schenectady
The median home value in Schenectady is $152,000 — 50% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,109/month, 16% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $56,398/year is 24% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 8.9%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 39.4°F, with about 59.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Schenectady has a cost of living index of 64 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 36% less 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 | 33 | 36 | 45 | 59 | 71 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 49 | 38 |
| Low °F | 16 | 18 | 26 | 37 | 48 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 41 | 32 | 23 |
| Precip" | 2.60 | 2.28 | 3.09 | 3.11 | 3.41 | 4.05 | 4.55 | 3.76 | 3.73 | 3.85 | 2.99 | 3.26 |
| Snow" | 15.6 | 13.7 | 12.0 | 1.6 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.3 | 2.6 | 13.3 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Schenectady, NY?
Schenectady has a cost index of 64 (100 = national average). It is 36% below the national average.
What is average rent in Schenectady, NY?
The median gross rent in Schenectady is $1,109 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Schenectady?
The median home value in Schenectady is $152,000 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Schenectady?
The median household income in Schenectady is $56,398 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Schenectady, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Schenectady is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Schenectady, NY affordable?
Yes, Schenectady is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 64 — about 36% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Schenectady?
Schenectady has average high temperatures of 59.4°F and average lows of 39.4°F. Annual precipitation is 40.7". Average annual snowfall is 59.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Schenectady at a Glance
- Population
- 68,521
- Median Income
- $56,398
- Home Value
- $152,000
- Median Rent
- $1,109/mo
- Unemployment
- 8.9%
- Avg High Temp
- 59.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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