Cost of Living in West Islip, NY

Population 26,559 · New York · Data vintage 2023

196
Cost Index
(100 = US avg)
Page updated: · Data vintage: 2023 ACS 5-Year
Sources: Census ACS·BLS·NOAA·EPA·Zillow · Methodology

Housing in West Islip sits 94% above the national median — $593,000 for the typical home — but median household incomes near $171,045 (129% above the US figure) soften the blow that similar pricing creates in lower-wage metros.

West Islip is about 30 miles southeast of Stamford, the nearest large metro — close enough that regional housing and labor patterns are shaped largely by the larger market. Housing prices track closely with Stamford's $614,000 median.

Cost Overview

Housing 194
Rent 199

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

About the Cost of Living in West Islip

The median home value in West Islip is $592,700 — 94% above the national median of $305,000. Median rent runs $2,613/month, 99% higher than the national median of $1,314/month. The median household income of $171,045/year is 129% 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 61.1°F and lows of 45.9°F. Overall, West Islip has a cost of living index of 196 versus the US average of 100, meaning it is 96% more expensive.

🏠 Housing

Median Home Value
$592,700
94% above avg
Zillow Home Value
$718,621
Zillow ZHVI
Median Rent
$2,613/mo
99% above avg
Price-to-Rent Ratio
18.9x
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 95.8%
Renter-occupied 4.2%

💰 Estimated Monthly Budget

Rent median rent
$2,613
Groceries national estimate
$400
Utilities local estimate
$88
Transportation local gas prices
$126
Estimated Total $3,227/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
32.8 min
21% above avg
Gas Price
$3.145/gal
0% below avg
Work From Home
12.3%

Commute Mode

Drove alone
75.0%
Carpooled
5.9%
Public transit
5.5%
Walked
0.3%
Bicycle
0.0%
Work from home
12.3%

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
$171,045
129% above avg
Per Capita Income
$66,182
Unemployment Rate
3.7%
23% below avg
Poverty Rate
2.7%
Labor Force Participation
71.5%

🎓 Education

Bachelor's degree+ 26.7%
Graduate degree 23.3%

👥 Demographics

Median Age 39.8
Male median age 36.4
Female median age 42.5

🌤 Climate

NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals

Avg High
61.1°F
Avg Low
45.9°F
Annual Precip
38.3"
20° 38° 55° 73° 90° JFMAMJJASOND High Low Precip
Month JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
High °F 394148586877838275645344
Low °F 252633425161686760483831
Precip" 2.692.033.463.613.183.453.053.253.663.372.933.60

💨 Air Quality

EPA AQS 2023 — county-level monitoring data

Median AQI 41 — Good
76.2%
Good air days/yr
195
Max AQI recorded
86
PM2.5 days
278
Ozone days

🏫 Schools

NCES CCD 2019 — public school district data

99%
4-Year Graduation Rate
10.5:1
Student-teacher ratio
7
Public schools
4,153
Total enrollment

Frequently Asked Questions

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

West Islip has a cost index of 196 (100 = national average). It is 96% above the national average.

What is average rent in West Islip, NY?

The median gross rent in West Islip is $2,613 per month based on 2023 Census data.

What is the average home price in West Islip?

The median home value in West Islip is $592,700 according to Zillow and Census data.

What is the median income in West Islip?

The median household income in West Islip is $171,045 per year (2023 ACS 5-year estimates).

What is the sales tax in West Islip, NY?

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

Is West Islip, NY affordable?

West Islip is above average in cost of living, with an index of 196 — about 96% higher than the national average.

What is the weather like in West Islip?

West Islip has average high temperatures of 61.1°F and average lows of 45.9°F. Annual precipitation is 38.3". Data from NOAA 1991–2020 Climate Normals.

West Islip at a Glance

Population
26,559
Median Income
$171,045
Home Value
$592,700
Median Rent
$2,613/mo
Unemployment
3.7%
Avg High Temp
61.1°F
Sales Tax
8.5%
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