Cost of Living in Southold, NY
Population 6,600 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in Southold run well above the national baseline, with a median of $763,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $114,743 place the city among the better-paid New York metros. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Southold is about 30 miles southeast of New Haven, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 206% higher than New Haven's $249,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Southold
The median home value in Southold is $762,900 — 150% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,176/month, 66% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $114,743/year is 54% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.7%, 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%. Overall, Southold has a cost of living index of 216 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 116% more expensive.
Southold 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
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Southold, NY?
Southold has a cost index of 216 (100 = national average). It is 116% above the national average.
What is average rent in Southold, NY?
The median gross rent in Southold is $2,176 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Southold?
The median home value in Southold is $762,900 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Southold?
The median household income in Southold is $114,743 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Southold, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Southold is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Southold, NY affordable?
Southold is above average in cost of living, with an index of 216 — about 116% higher than the national average.
Southold at a Glance
- Population
- 6,600
- Median Income
- $114,743
- Home Value
- $762,900
- Median Rent
- $2,176/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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