Hempstead, NY vs Smithtown, NY

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Hempstead is 16.1% cheaper than Smithtown. With a cost index of 126 vs 150, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Hempstead to Smithtown should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Hempstead is $1,649/month compared to $1,851/month in Smithtown — a 11% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Hempstead is more affordable at $442,100 median vs $661,400.

Median household income in Hempstead is $82,454 compared to $148,852 in Smithtown (-44.6%). While Smithtown is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Hempstead spend roughly 24% of their income on rent, more than the 14.9% in Smithtown.