Dunkirk, NY vs Waterloo, NY

Dunkirk, NY and Waterloo, NY have a very similar cost of living, with only a 2.5% difference in their overall index. Dunkirk scores 71 while Waterloo scores 73 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 Dunkirk is $905/month compared to $910/month in Waterloo — a 1% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Dunkirk is more affordable at $91,200 median vs $111,300.

Median household income in Dunkirk is $49,003 compared to $52,404 in Waterloo (-6.5%). While Waterloo is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Dunkirk spend roughly 22.2% of their income on rent, more than the 20.8% in Waterloo.