Cost of Living in Big Flats, NY

With a cost of living index of 93, Big Flats, NY is slightly more affordable than average. Living here is 7% cheaper than the national average and 18% below the New York state average of 111. Big Flats is a smaller community of 5,846 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Big Flats's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $1,394 (6% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $224,000 (27% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 2.2x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Big Flats is $101,771, which is 35% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 16% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Big Flats. The area sees an average annual temperature of 48°F, with summers averaging 68°F and winters around 28°F. Annual rainfall totals 32.4 inches spread over roughly 153 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Elmira, NY (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area are generally below the national average. Out of 6 common items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 5 are priced lower than the US average. These real-world prices — from groceries to electricity — add up and should be factored into any cost of living comparison.

Data sources: US Census Bureau (ACS 2023), Zillow Home Values, HUD Fair Market Rents, BEA Regional Price Parities, BLS Average Prices, and NOAA Climate Normals. Updated monthly.