Cost of Living in Pelham, NY

With a cost of living index of 182, Pelham, NY is one of the most expensive cities in the United States. Living here is 82% more expensive than the national average and 71% above the New York state average of 111. Pelham is a smaller community of 7,247 residents, where everyday costs can differ substantially from nearby larger cities.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Pelham's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,288 (73% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $891,900 (193% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 5x the median household income — a stretch for many buyers, though not uncommon in today's market.

The median household income in Pelham is $179,561, which is 139% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 15% of household income on rent. This is a comfortable ratio, well below the 30% threshold that financial experts recommend as a maximum. While incomes are above average, they more than offset the higher cost of living.

Climate is another factor for anyone considering a move to Pelham. The area sees an average annual temperature of 56.7°F, with summers averaging 77°F and winters around 37°F. Annual rainfall totals 45.3 inches spread over roughly 122 days.

Everyday prices in the New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ (Metropolitan Statistical Area) metro area tend to run above the national average. Out of 6 common grocery and utility items tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 6 are priced higher 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.