Cost of Living in West Elmira, NY

Population 4,691 · New York · Data vintage 2023

82
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing costs in West Elmira stay well under national norms: a median home value of $193,000 against median household incomes of $107,359 gives the city one of the more comfortable price-to-income ratios in New York.

Located 75 miles southwest of Syracuse, West Elmira is far enough out that local conditions diverge meaningfully from the big-metro baseline. Median home values run roughly 54% higher than Syracuse's $125,000.

Cost Overview

Housing 63
Rent 109

Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.

About the Cost of Living in West Elmira

The median home value in West Elmira is $192,900 — 37% below the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $1,435/month, 9% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $107,359/year is 44% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 3.7%, 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 59.0°F and lows of 37.1°F. Overall, West Elmira has a cost of living index of 82 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 18% less expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$192,900
37% below avg
Median Rent
$1,435/mo
9% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
11.2x
Favors buying
Property Tax Rate
1.7%
Effective rate

HUD Fair Market Rents by Bedroom

Studio
$965
1 BR
$1,051
2 BR
$1,302
3 BR
$1,619
4 BR
$1,813
Owner-occupied 88.5%
Renter-occupied 11.5%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$1,435
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $2,049/mo

Estimates based on median data and national averages. Actual costs vary.

🛒 Food & Groceries

National BLS average prices (2023). Local prices may vary.

🥚
Eggs (dozen)
$0.548
🍞
White Bread (lb)
$1.912
🥩
Ground Beef (lb)
$5.61

🚗 Transportation

Avg Commute
19.2 min
29% below avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
10.2%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
81.2%
Carpooled
5.1%
Walked
2.5%
Work from home
10.2%

Utilities

Electricity
$0.176/kWh
0% below avg

📋 Taxes

State Income Tax 10.9%
Total Sales Tax 8.5%
State rate 4.0%
Avg local rate 4.5%
Property Tax 1.7%

💼 Income & Employment

Median Household Income
$107,359
44% above avg
Per Capita Income
$51,968
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
22% below avg
Poverty Rate
4.1%
Labor Force Participation
69.4%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 31.5%
Graduate degree 20.5%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 46.2
Male median age 44.8
Female median age 47.2

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
59.0°F
Avg Low
37.1°F
Annual Precip
32.4"
10° 30° 50° 70° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 343645587078828173614939
Low °F 161724344454585749393023
Precip" 1.661.342.392.812.983.503.363.583.473.022.212.04

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in West Elmira, NY?

West Elmira has a cost index of 82 (100 = national average). It is 18% below the national average.

What is average rent in West Elmira, NY?

The median gross rent in West Elmira is $1,435 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Elmira?

The median home value in West Elmira is $192,900 according to 2023 Census ACS data.

What is the median income in West Elmira?

The median household income in West Elmira is $107,359 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Elmira, NY?

The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Elmira is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.

Is West Elmira, NY affordable?

Yes, West Elmira is generally considered affordable, with a cost of living index of 82 — about 18% below the US national average of 100.

What is the weather like in West Elmira?

West Elmira has average high temperatures of 59.0°F and average lows of 37.1°F. Annual precipitation is 32.4". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Elmira at a Glance

Population
4,691
Median Income
$107,359
Home Value
$192,900
Median Rent
$1,435/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Avg High Temp
59.0°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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Explore county-level cost of living data

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