Cost of Living in Vassar College, NY
Population 3,276 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Vassar College is a smaller New York community of around 3000 residents, where median household incomes of $119,836 and housing costs give the local cost-of-living profile a distinctly small-town shape. The labor market has been unusually tight, with unemployment around 2.8% — below most comparable cities in the state.
Vassar College is about 45 miles west of Waterbury, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Waterbury's typical home runs $185,000 for context.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Vassar College
Median rent runs $1,229/month, 6% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $119,836/year is 61% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 2.8%, 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 39.9°F. Overall, Vassar College has a cost of living index of 94 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 6% less expensive.
Vassar College is a campus community
This Census-Designated Place covers the Vassar College campus. Students and staff typically live in surrounding communities — 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 36 | 39 | 48 | 61 | 71 | 80 | 85 | 83 | 75 | 63 | 51 | 41 |
| Low °F | 18 | 20 | 27 | 38 | 48 | 57 | 62 | 61 | 53 | 41 | 32 | 24 |
| Precip" | 2.82 | 2.21 | 3.09 | 3.62 | 3.47 | 3.91 | 3.78 | 4.28 | 4.33 | 3.73 | 3.27 | 3.39 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Vassar College, NY?
Vassar College has a cost index of 94 (100 = national average). It is 6% below the national average.
What is average rent in Vassar College, NY?
The median gross rent in Vassar College is $1,229 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the median income in Vassar College?
The median household income in Vassar College is $119,836 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Vassar College, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Vassar College is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Vassar College, NY affordable?
Vassar College is near the national average in terms of cost of living, with an index of 94 (100 = US average).
What is the weather like in Vassar College?
Vassar College has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 39.9°F. Annual precipitation is 41.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Vassar College at a Glance
- Population
- 3,276
- Median Income
- $119,836
- Median Rent
- $1,229/mo
- Unemployment
- 2.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.1°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
Nearby Cities
Explore county-level cost of living data