Hempstead, NY vs Lackawanna, NY

The cost of living difference between Hempstead, NY and Lackawanna, NY is dramatic. Lackawanna is 83.3% cheaper than Hempstead, a gap that translates to thousands of dollars per year in household expenses. Hempstead has a cost index of 126 while Lackawanna sits at 69, making this one of the more striking comparisons on our site. Relocating between these cities would require a serious reassessment of budget and lifestyle expectations.

On the housing front, median rent in Hempstead is $1,649/month compared to $823/month in Lackawanna — a 100% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Lackawanna is more affordable at $126,500 median vs $442,100.

Median household income in Hempstead is $82,454 compared to $48,185 in Lackawanna (+71.1%). The higher salaries in Hempstead partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Hempstead spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 20.5% in Lackawanna.

Climate-wise, Hempstead is notably warmer with an average of 54.3°F compared to 48.8°F in Lackawanna. Hempstead receives more rainfall at 43.3" per year compared to 40.7" in Lackawanna.