Cost of Living in West Hempstead, NY
Population 20,762 · New York · Data vintage 2023
(100 = US avg)
Home prices in West Hempstead run well above the national baseline, with a median of $626,000, though local incomes keep the cost-to-earnings ratio tighter than in coastal metros with comparable sticker prices. Median household earnings of $160,280 place the city among the better-paid New York metros.
Located 15 miles east of New York, West Hempstead falls within that metro's commuting orbit. Median home values run roughly 17% lower than New York's $752,000.
Cost Overview
Scale: 100 = US national average. Green < 90, Red > 110.
About the Cost of Living in West Hempstead
The median home value in West Hempstead is $626,100 — 105% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $3,228/month, 146% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $160,280/year is 115% higher than the US median of $74,580. The local unemployment rate is 5.8%, 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 61.6°F and lows of 47.0°F, with about 25.9" of annual snowfall. Overall, West Hempstead has a cost of living index of 221 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 121% more 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 | 40 | 42 | 49 | 59 | 68 | 78 | 84 | 82 | 76 | 65 | 54 | 45 |
| Low °F | 26 | 27 | 34 | 43 | 53 | 62 | 69 | 68 | 61 | 50 | 40 | 32 |
| Precip" | 3.23 | 2.76 | 3.94 | 3.55 | 3.66 | 3.85 | 3.86 | 4.11 | 3.58 | 3.72 | 3.07 | 3.96 |
| Snow" | 7.5 | 8.6 | 4.3 | 0.6 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.4 | 4.5 |
💨 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 West Hempstead, NY?
West Hempstead has a cost index of 221 (100 = national average). It is 121% above the national average.
What is average rent in West Hempstead, NY?
The median gross rent in West Hempstead is $3,228 per month based on 2023 Census data.
What is the average home price in West Hempstead?
The median home value in West Hempstead is $626,100 according to Zillow and Census data.
What is the median income in West Hempstead?
The median household income in West Hempstead is $160,280 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).
What is the sales tax in West Hempstead, NY?
The combined state and local sales tax rate in West Hempstead is 8.5%. The New York state income tax top rate is 10.9%.
Is West Hempstead, NY affordable?
West Hempstead is above average in cost of living, with an index of 221 — about 121% higher than the national average.
What is the weather like in West Hempstead?
West Hempstead has average high temperatures of 61.6°F and average lows of 47.0°F. Annual precipitation is 43.3". Average annual snowfall is 25.9". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.
West Hempstead at a Glance
- Population
- 20,762
- Median Income
- $160,280
- Home Value
- $626,100
- Median Rent
- $3,228/mo
- Unemployment
- 5.8%
- Avg High Temp
- 61.6°F
- Sales Tax
- 8.5%
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