Cost of Living in Bronx County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Bronx County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Bronx County ranks #2,316 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 26%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Bronx County, New York
Bronx rents consume wages entirely
Bronx County residents spend 35.1% of their income on rent—more than double the national average of 17.0%—with a median household income of just $49,036, trailing the national median by $25,719. This creates a severe affordability crisis where housing costs dominate household budgets.
New York's least affordable county
Bronx County ranks as the least affordable county in New York, with a rent-to-income ratio of 35.1% versus the state average of 17.6%. The median rent of $1,436 exceeds the state average by $303, compounded by the lowest median household income in this profile at just $49,036.
New York City's affordability trap
Bronx renters pay $1,436 monthly, nearly matching Manhattan rents and far exceeding outer boroughs like Staten Island while earning significantly less than Brooklyn or Queens residents. Home values at $517,000 represent the highest in this analysis, yet remain inaccessible to the majority earning less than $50,000 annually.
Housing squeezes every household
Renters dedicate a punishing 35.1% of the $49,036 median income to $1,436 monthly rent, while homeowners face even steeper costs at 43.5% ($1,777/month). This forces residents to choose between housing and food, childcare, healthcare, and transportation.
Consider outer boroughs or suburbs
If you're earning under $50,000 and seeking New York City proximity, Bronx County may force housing insecurity—explore Queens, Brooklyn, or Westchester alternatives where affordability ratios drop toward 25–30%. Remote workers might find genuine relief by relocating to Upstate counties where your income stretches three to five times further.
Cost of Living Advisory: Bronx County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Bronx County is stretched. The median rent is $1,436/month against a median household income of $49,036, putting rent at 35.1% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Bronx County pay $1,436/month on average, compared to $1,777/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 19%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $57,440/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $76,157/year. With a median household income of $49,036, the median income falls short of the rent-affordability threshold. Notably, 35.0% of renter households in Bronx County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Compared to Tompkins County where rent averages $1,374/month, Bronx County is approximately 5% more expensive.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Bronx County
Rent Burden
35.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,144
per month
Owner Cost Burden
43.5%
of gross income
The median home in Bronx County may be a stretch
Median home value is $517,000. Estimated monthly cost: $4,127 vs. your max of $1,144.
Rent Affordability Guide
Income Needed Calculator
See how much you need to earn to comfortably afford housing
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Based on the 30% rule for rent and 28% rule for housing costs (mortgage + owner costs). Mortgage estimate assumes 20% down, 7.2% interest, 30-year fixed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cost of living in Bronx County, New York?
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See Today's RatesData: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates (2019-2023) — Informational only. Not financial or legal advice.
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