Cost of Living in Stony Brook, NY
Population 12,827 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Housing in Stony Brook sits 93% above the national median — $587,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $162,054 (117% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.
Stony Brook sits roughly 20 miles south of Bridgeport — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 133% higher than Bridgeport's $252,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Stony Brook
The median home value in Stony Brook is $587,300 — 93% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,643/month, 101% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $162,054/year is 117% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 4.3%, 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 61.1°F and lows of 45.2°F, with about 31.8" of annual snowfall. Overall, Stony Brook has a cost of living index of 196 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 96% more 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 | 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
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Stony Brook, NY?
Stony Brook has a cost index of 196 (100 = national average). It is 96% above the national average.
What is average rent in Stony Brook, NY?
The median gross rent in Stony Brook is $2,643 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Stony Brook?
The median home value in Stony Brook is $587,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Stony Brook?
The median household income in Stony Brook is $162,054 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Stony Brook, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Stony Brook is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Stony Brook, NY affordable?
Stony Brook is above average in cost of living, with an index of 196 — about 96% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Stony Brook?
Stony Brook 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 at a Glance
- Population
- 12,827
- Median Income
- $162,054
- Home Value
- $587,300
- Median Rent
- $2,643/mo
- Unemployment
- 4.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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