Cost of Living in Scotia, NY

Population 7,260 · New York · Data vintage 2023

68
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Buyers in Scotia can reasonably expect a home to cost less than three years of household income — $183,000 against $74,185 in typical earnings — a ratio that has collapsed to 5:1 or worse in much of the country. An unemployment rate of 2.5% points to a labor market well on the tight side of the national distribution.

Scotia sits roughly 14 miles northwest of Albany — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 18% lower than Albany's $223,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 60
Rent 81

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

About the Cost of Living in Scotia

The median home value in Scotia is $182,800 — 40% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,064/month, 19% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $74,185/year is 1% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.5%, 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 59.4°F and lows of 39.4°F, with about 59.2" of annual snowfall. Overall, Scotia has a cost of living index of 68 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 32% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$182,800
40% below avg
Zillow Home Value
$311,059
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$1,064/mo
19% below avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
14.3x
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 72.7%
Renter-occupied 27.3%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,064
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $1,678/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
25.1 min
7% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
15.0%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
68.0%
Carpooled
11.0%
Public transit
0.9%
Walked
3.5%
Bicycle
0.5%
Work from home
15.0%

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
$74,185
1% below avg
Per Capita Income
$41,467
Unemployment Rate
2.5%
48% below avg
Poverty Rate
3.6%
Labor Force Participation
69.2%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 22.7%
Graduate degree 14.0%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 38.7
Male median age 34.8
Female median age 42.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.4°F
Avg Low
39.4°F
Annual Precip
40.7"
Annual Snowfall
59.2"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 333645597179848274624938
Low °F 161826374857626153413223
Precip" 2.602.283.093.113.414.054.553.763.733.852.993.26
Snow" 15.613.712.01.60.10.00.00.00.00.32.613.3

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

92%
4-Year Graduation Rate
11:1
Student-teacher ratio
6
Public schools
2,427
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Scotia, NY?

Scotia has a cost index of 68 (100 = national average). It is 32% below the national average.

What is average rent in Scotia, NY?

The median gross rent in Scotia is $1,064 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in Scotia?

The median home value in Scotia is $182,800 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in Scotia?

The median household income in Scotia is $74,185 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in Scotia, NY?

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

Is Scotia, NY affordable?

Yes, Scotia is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 68 — about 32% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in Scotia?

Scotia 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.

Scotia at a Glance

Population
7,260
Median Income
$74,185
Home Value
$182,800
Median Rent
$1,064/mo
Unemployment
2.5%
Avg High Temp
59.4°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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