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Best Places to Live in New York (2026)

New York has a cost of living index of 111 (US average = 100) with a median household income of $96,982 and a population of 16,326,804. We ranked 15 cities based on affordability, income, housing value, and climate to find the best places to call home in New York.

Data current as of . Sources: US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, NOAA.
89
Cost Index

De Witt is 11% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $120,539 and a population of 10,815.

$120,539
Median Income
$1,106/mo
Median Rent
$271,700
Home Value
48.5°F
Avg Temp
107
Cost Index

Niskayuna is 7% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $128,346 and a population of 20,774.

$128,346
Median Income
$1,528/mo
Median Rent
$326,600
Home Value
49.4°F
Avg Temp
4 Latham
102
Cost Index

Latham is 2% more expensive than the national average with a median income of $101,580 and a population of 14,327.

$101,580
Median Income
$1,417/mo
Median Rent
$300,300
Home Value
49.4°F
Avg Temp
13 Depew
80
Cost Index

Depew is 20% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $75,226 and a population of 15,065.

$75,226
Median Income
$1,048/mo
Median Rent
$180,800
Home Value
48.8°F
Avg Temp
14 Kenmore
80
Cost Index

Kenmore is 20% cheaper than the national average with a median income of $75,768 and a population of 15,097.

$75,768
Median Income
$1,035/mo
Median Rent
$192,600
Home Value
48.8°F
Avg Temp

How We Rank the Best Places to Live

Our livability score combines four data-driven factors: affordability (35% — cost of living index relative to national average), income (25% — median household income from the Census Bureau), housing value (15% — home price to income ratio), and climate (15% — NOAA temperature normals favoring moderate climates). Population serves as a proxy for amenities (10%).

Only cities with at least 5,000–10,000 residents are included. Data sourced from the US Census Bureau, Zillow, HUD, and NOAA.