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Cost of Living in Ithaca, NY

Population 32,814 · Census ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimates

Median rent$1,447
Median home value$342,700
Median household income$48,784

The median rent in Ithaca, NY is $1,447/month, 11% lower than the New York median and 2% higher than the U.S. median. The median home value is $342,700, 3% higher than the national median. Households earn a median of $48,784 a year, 43% lower than the state median.

Affordability

Rent as a share of median income: 35.6%
Income needed for median rent (30% rule): $57,880/yr
Home price-to-income ratio: 7.0×
Est. mortgage on the median home (20% down, 6.5% for 30 yrs, principal + interest): $1,733/mo

Run your own numbers: mortgage calculator · hourly to salary

Ithaca vs. New York vs. U.S.

IthacaNew YorkU.S.
Median rent$1,447$1,621$1,413
Median home value$342,700$423,800$332,700
Median household income$48,784$85,974$80,734
Homeownership rate29.6%54.3%65.2%
Bachelor's degree or higher67.7%40.2%35.7%
Poverty rate30.4%14.0%12.5%
Unemployment rate7.3%6.4%5.2%
Work from home24.7%14.9%15.1%
Median age23.339.838.9

FAQ

What is the average rent in Ithaca, NY?

The median gross rent in Ithaca, NY is $1,447 per month (ACS 2020–2024 5-year estimate).

How much do I need to earn to live in Ithaca, NY?

Using the common 30% rule, renting a median-priced home takes about $57,880 a year in gross income.

Is Ithaca, NY expensive to live in?

Rent there is 2% higher than the U.S. median, and the median home costs about 7.0 times the median household income.

Other cities in New York

New York, NYRent $1,821 · Income $80,483Buffalo, NYRent $1,046 · Income $50,041Yonkers, NYRent $1,784 · Income $83,549Rochester, NYRent $1,081 · Income $47,213Syracuse, NYRent $1,039 · Income $47,819Albany, NYRent $1,216 · Income $61,986

Cities with a similar cost of living

Jasmine Estates, FLRent $1,457 · Income $50,718Westmont, CARent $1,466 · Income $50,509Blacksburg, VARent $1,359 · Income $50,182Union City, GARent $1,330 · Income $49,549Horn Lake, MSRent $1,435 · Income $53,311Newark, NJRent $1,392 · Income $52,060

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates. Estimates have margins of error, especially for smaller places. This product uses the Census Bureau Data API but is not endorsed or certified by the Census Bureau.

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