Cost of Living in Cayuga County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Cayuga County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Cayuga County ranks #2,201 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 30%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Cayuga County, New York
Cayuga balances income and housing
Cayuga County residents spend 16.1% of their income on rent, below the national average of 17.0%, with a median household income of $66,583 that moderately exceeds the national median. The county's favorable rent-to-income ratio positions it as an above-average affordability option for American renters.
Below state average affordability
Cayuga County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.1% sits below New York's state average of 17.6%, making it one of the state's more affordable mid-tier counties. The $895 median rent trails the state average by $238 monthly, reflecting Finger Lakes region pricing.
Finger Lakes affordability anchor
Cayuga's $895 rent sits between nearby Onondaga County and rural counties like Allegany, with home values of $164,200 offering genuine middle-class entry points. The county serves as the region's affordability anchor, undercutting Syracuse while maintaining regional connectivity.
Moderate housing burden
Renters spend 16.1% of the $66,583 median income on $895 monthly rent, while homeowners dedicate 19.0% to ownership costs ($1,051/month). Both ratios remain comfortably below state and national averages, leaving substantial income for other household priorities.
Finger Lakes living without premium
Cayuga County offers Finger Lakes character—natural beauty, wine country, and college-town vitality—without the housing-cost premium of nearby Syracuse or Rochester. If you earn $65,000–$80,000 and seek small-city sophistication at small-town prices, Cayuga delivers genuine value.
Cost of Living Advisory: Cayuga County
Affordability Verdict
Cayuga County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $895/month representing approximately 16.1% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 29.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Cayuga County is $895/month, while owner costs run $1,051/month. Renting saves approximately $156/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $35,800/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $45,043/year. With a median household income of $66,583, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 29.0% of renter households in Cayuga County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New York, Cayuga County is less affordable than Clinton County by roughly 6% ($895/mo vs $956/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Cayuga County
Rent Burden
16.1%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,554
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.9%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Cayuga County
Median home value is $164,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,311 vs. your max of $1,554.
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
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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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