Clarkson, NY vs Houghton, NY

Clarkson, NY and Houghton, NY have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Clarkson scores 80 while Houghton scores 78 on the cost of living index, where 100 represents the national average. The day-to-day expenses for residents in both cities are comparable, though differences emerge when looking at specific categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Clarkson is $995/month compared to $975/month in Houghton — a 2% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Houghton is more affordable at $153,300 median vs $191,600.

Median household income in Clarkson is $74,122 compared to $87,188 in Houghton (-15%). Houghton offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Clarkson spend roughly 16.1% of their income on rent, more than the 13.4% in Houghton.

Climate-wise, Clarkson is notably warmer with an average of 49.5°F compared to 46.4°F in Houghton. Houghton receives more rainfall at 37.2" per year compared to 35.1" in Clarkson.