Ithaca, NY vs Troy, NY

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Troy is 24.9% cheaper than Ithaca. With a cost index of 85 vs 106, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Troy to Ithaca should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Ithaca is $1,441/month compared to $1,134/month in Troy — a 27% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Troy is more affordable at $192,500 median vs $330,100.

Median household income in Ithaca is $48,617 compared to $57,688 in Troy (-15.7%). Troy offers a double advantage: higher earnings combined with a lower cost of living, giving residents significantly more purchasing power. Looking at affordability, residents of Ithaca spend roughly 35.6% of their income on rent, more than the 23.6% in Troy. The Troy ratio exceeds the commonly recommended 30% threshold, which can put pressure on household budgets.