Cost of Living in Gouverneur, NY

With a cost of living index of 66, Gouverneur, NY is one of the most affordable cities in the country. Living here is 34% cheaper than the national average and 45% below the New York state average of 111. Gouverneur is a small community of 3,623 residents.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Gouverneur's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $842 (36% below the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $107,500 (65% below the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3x the median household income — well within traditional affordability guidelines.

The median household income in Gouverneur is $35,464, which is 53% lower than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 28% of household income on rent. This is near the 30% threshold that financial experts generally consider the upper limit of affordability. Lower incomes here are balanced by the significantly lower cost of living, stretching each dollar further.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Gouverneur. The area sees an average annual temperature of 44.6°F, with summers averaging 67°F and winters around 20°F. Annual rainfall totals 38.2 inches spread over roughly 147 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.