Cost of Living in Washington Heights, NY
Population 3,189 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Washington Heights sits on the smaller end of the New York city distribution. That scale shapes the housing market, the labor pool, and the services available to residents in ways the data below makes visible. At 6.7%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Washington Heights is about 40 miles northwest of Paterson, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 9% higher than Paterson's $335,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Washington Heights
The median home value in Washington Heights is $365,400 — 20% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,222/month, 69% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $78,663/year is 5% 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%. The climate averages highs of 60.0°F and lows of 38.8°F. Overall, Washington Heights has a cost of living index of 140 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 40% more expensive.
Washington Heights 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
🌤 Climate
NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 35 | 38 | 47 | 60 | 71 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 74 | 62 | 50 | 39 |
| Low °F | 17 | 18 | 27 | 36 | 47 | 56 | 61 | 59 | 51 | 40 | 31 | 23 |
| Precip" | 2.44 | 2.44 | 3.25 | 3.50 | 3.35 | 4.33 | 3.30 | 4.40 | 3.89 | 3.68 | 3.04 | 3.37 |
💨 Air Quality
EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Washington Heights, NY?
Washington Heights has a cost index of 140 (100 = national average). It is 40% above the national average.
What is average rent in Washington Heights, NY?
The median gross rent in Washington Heights is $2,222 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Washington Heights?
The median home value in Washington Heights is $365,400 according to 2023 Census ACS data.
What is the median income in Washington Heights?
The median household income in Washington Heights is $78,663 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Washington Heights, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Washington Heights is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Washington Heights, NY affordable?
Washington Heights is above average in cost of living, with an index of 140 — about 40% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in Washington Heights?
Washington Heights has average high temperatures of 60.0°F and average lows of 38.8°F. Annual precipitation is 41". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Washington Heights at a Glance
- Population
- 3,189
- Median Income
- $78,663
- Home Value
- $365,400
- Median Rent
- $2,222/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.7%
- Avg High Temp
- 60.0°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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New York Rankings
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