Cost of Living in Fort Drum, NY

With a cost of living index of 104, Fort Drum, NY is somewhat more expensive than average. Living here is 4% more expensive than the national average and 7% below the New York state average of 111. Fort Drum is a smaller community of 16,124 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

The median household income in Fort Drum is $63,194, which is 16% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 30% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Fort Drum. The area sees an average annual temperature of 45.3°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 23°F. Annual rainfall totals 37.1 inches spread over roughly 158 days. Cold winters mean higher heating bills, an important cost-of-living consideration.

Everyday prices in the Watertown-Fort Drum, 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.