Cost of Living in Shirley, NY

With a cost of living index of 135, Shirley, NY is a notably expensive place to live. Living here is 35% more expensive than the national average and 24% above the New York state average of 111. With a population of 27,807, Shirley is a mid-sized community that balances access to services with a more manageable cost of living compared to larger metros.

Housing costs are the biggest factor in Shirley's cost of living. The median monthly rent is $2,110 (60% above the US median of $1,319), and the median home value sits at $390,300 (28% above the national median of $304,900). At current prices, the median home costs roughly 3.7x the median household income — a moderately affordable ratio by today's standards.

The median household income in Shirley is $105,379, which is 40% higher than the national median of $75,149. Residents spend roughly 24% 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 Shirley. The area sees an average annual temperature of 52.4°F, with summers averaging 72°F and winters around 34°F. Annual rainfall totals 44.2 inches spread over roughly 134 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.