Niagara Falls, NY vs Utica, NY

Niagara Falls is moderately more affordable than Utica, with a 7.5% lower cost of living index. Niagara Falls scores 66 compared to 71 for Utica, where the US average is 100. This difference means residents of Utica can expect to pay noticeably more for everyday expenses, housing, and services.

On the housing front, median rent in Niagara Falls is $784/month compared to $907/month in Utica — a 14% difference. Home values follow the same pattern: Niagara Falls is more affordable at $104,400 median vs $133,400.

Median household income in Niagara Falls is $48,535 compared to $51,513 in Utica (-5.8%). The higher salaries in Utica partially offset the cost difference, but don't fully close the gap. Looking at affordability, residents of Niagara Falls spend roughly 19.4% of their income on rent, less than the 21.1% in Utica.