Cost of Living in Watertown, NY
Population 24,574 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Watertown 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. Around 21% of residents live below the federal poverty line, a rate that tends to correlate with the income and housing figures above.
Watertown is about 65 miles north 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 20% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in Watertown
The median home value in Watertown is $149,800 — 51% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $933/month, 29% lower than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $49,692/year is 33% lower than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 6.4%, 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 55.4°F and lows of 35.2°F. Overall, Watertown has a cost of living index of 58 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 42% less 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 | 30 | 31 | 40 | 54 | 66 | 75 | 79 | 78 | 71 | 58 | 47 | 36 |
| Low °F | 10 | 11 | 21 | 33 | 44 | 53 | 59 | 57 | 49 | 39 | 30 | 19 |
| Precip" | 2.86 | 2.18 | 2.37 | 3.07 | 2.97 | 3.09 | 3.01 | 3.20 | 3.56 | 4.22 | 3.40 | 3.14 |
💨 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 Watertown, NY?
Watertown has a cost index of 58 (100 = national average). It is 42% below the national average.
What is average rent in Watertown, NY?
The median gross rent in Watertown is $933 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in Watertown?
The median home value in Watertown is $149,800 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in Watertown?
The median household income in Watertown is $49,692 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in Watertown, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in Watertown is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is Watertown, NY affordable?
Yes, Watertown is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 58 — about 42% below the US national average of 100.
What is the weather like in Watertown?
Watertown has average high temperatures of 55.4°F and average lows of 35.2°F. Annual precipitation is 37.1". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
Watertown at a Glance
- Population
- 24,574
- Median Income
- $49,692
- Home Value
- $149,800
- Median Rent
- $933/mo
- Unemployment
- 6.4%
- Avg High Temp
- 55.4°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
Explore county-level cost of living data
New York Rankings
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