Cost of Living in Waterloo, NY
Population 4,600 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Waterloo 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 6.3%, the local unemployment rate runs well above the US figure, pointing to structural rather than cyclical labor-market issues.
Waterloo is about 35 miles west of Syracuse, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Median home values run roughly 11% lower than Syracuse's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Waterloo
The median home value in Waterloo is $111,300 — 64% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $910/month, 31% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $52,404/year is 30% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.3%, 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 57.8°F and lows of 39.6°F. Overall, Waterloo has a cost of living index of 50 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 50% less expensive.
Waterloo 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 | 33 | 35 | 43 | 56 | 69 | 77 | 81 | 80 | 73 | 61 | 48 | 38 |
| Low °F | 18 | 19 | 25 | 36 | 47 | 57 | 62 | 60 | 53 | 43 | 33 | 25 |
| Precip" | 1.49 | 1.26 | 2.06 | 2.81 | 2.88 | 2.77 | 3.39 | 2.84 | 3.89 | 2.88 | 2.14 | 1.83 |
🏫 Schools
NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Waterloo, NY?
Waterloo has a cost index of 50 (100 = national average). It is 50% below the national average.
What is average rent in Waterloo, NY?
The median gross rent in Waterloo is $910 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Waterloo?
The median home value in Waterloo is $111,300 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Waterloo?
The median household income in Waterloo is $52,404 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Waterloo, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Waterloo is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Waterloo, NY affordable?
Yes, Waterloo is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 50 — about 50% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Waterloo?
Waterloo has average high temperatures of 57.8°F and average lows of 39.6°F. Annual precipitation is 30.2". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Waterloo at a Glance
- Population
- 4,600
- Median Income
- $52,404
- Home Value
- $111,300
- Median Rent
- $910/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.3%
- Avg High Temp
- 57.8°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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