Cost of Living in Stony Brook University, NY

Population 9,138 · New York · Data vintage 2023

Page updated: April 2026 · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year

Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Stony Brook University sits roughly 20 miles south of Bridgeport — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Bridgeport's typical home runs $252,000 for context.

Cost Overview

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

About the Cost of Living in Stony Brook University

The local unemployment rate is 14.9%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 45.2°F, with about 31.8" of annual snowfall.

🎓

Stony Brook University is a campus community

This Census-Designated Place covers the Stony Brook University campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — here are the nearest cities with full cost of living data:

Stony Brook, NY

Median home: $587,300

Rent: $2,643/mo

Income: $162,054

East Setauket, NY

Median home: $613,300

Rent: $2,189/mo

Income: $149,820

St. James, NY

Median home: $632,900

Rent: $2,192/mo

Income: $130,556

Centereach, NY

Median home: $471,300

Rent: $2,398/mo

Income: $127,106

Lake Grove, NY

Median home: $550,700

Rent: $2,208/mo

Income: $119,558

🏠 Housing

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

🛒 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

20.0 min

26% below avg

Gas Price

$3.145/gal

0% below avg

Work From Home

7.6%

Commute Mode

Drove alone

20.3%

Carpooled

7.3%

Public transit

15.2%

Walked

45.6%

Bicycle

0.8%

Work from home

7.6%

⚡ 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

Per Capita Income

$6,166

Unemployment Rate

14.9%

209% above avg

Labor Force Participation

36.8%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.7%

Graduate degree 26.7%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 19.9

Male median age 20.3

Female median age 19.6

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High

61.1°F

Avg Low

45.2°F

Annual Precip

46"

Annual Snowfall

31.8"

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High °F	39	41	48	58	68	77	83	81	75	64	54	44
Low °F	25	26	32	41	51	61	67	66	59	47	38	30
Precip"	3.66	3.29	4.51	4.06	3.28	4.00	3.26	4.24	3.60	3.97	3.41	4.71
Snow"	10.3	9.4	6.5	0.6	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.0	0.5	4.5

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good

76.2%

Good air days/yr

195

Max AQI recorded

PM2.5 days

278

Ozone days

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Stony Brook University, NY?

Cost of living data for Stony Brook University is based on 2023 Census ACS estimates.

What is the sales tax in Stony Brook University, NY?

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

Is Stony Brook University, NY affordable?

Affordability in Stony Brook University depends on your income and lifestyle. Review the housing, rent, and income data above for a complete picture.

What is the weather like in Stony Brook University?

Stony Brook University has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 45.2°F. Annual precipitation is 46". Average annual snowfall is 31.8". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

Stony Brook University at a Glance

Population: 9,138
Unemployment: 14.9%
Avg High Temp: 61.1°F
Sales Tax: 8.5%

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