Melville, NY vs Southold, NY

There is a significant gap in the cost of living between these two cities. Southold is 24.7% cheaper than Melville. With a cost index of 168 vs 209, the difference would have a meaningful impact on a household's monthly budget. Someone relocating from Southold to Melville should plan for substantially higher expenses across most categories.

On the housing front, median rent in Melville is $3,501/month compared to $2,176/month in Southold — a 61% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Southold is more affordable at $762,900 median vs $778,400.

Median household income in Melville is $155,675 compared to $114,743 in Southold (+35.7%). While Melville is more expensive, its higher salaries more than compensate — residents there may actually end up with more disposable income. Looking at affordability, residents of Melville spend roughly 27% of their income on rent, more than the 22.8% in Southold.