Cost of Living in Chautauqua County, New York

$797/mo

Median Monthly Rent

$119,300

Median Home Value

30% below state averageUnaffordable

At a Glance

Median Monthly Rent

$797/mo

30% below state average

Median Home Value

$119,300

58% below national

Rent-to-Income Ratio

30.0%

% of income spent on rent

Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)

Affordability Rating

Unaffordable

Rent over 50% of income

How Chautauqua County Compares

Median monthly rent comparison

Chautauqua County$797/mo

New York Average$1,133/mo

National Median$1,163/mo

Detailed Housing Stats

$797/mo

Median Gross Rent

$119,300

Median Home Value

$785/mo

Monthly Owner Cost

30.0%

Rent-to-Income Ratio

Data Story

About Cost of Living in Chautauqua County, New York

Chautauqua offers solid affordability

Chautauqua County residents spend 16.9% of income on rent, below the national average of 17.0%, with a median household income of $56,507 running about $18,000 below the national median. Despite lower wages, the county's housing costs remain remarkably reasonable, supporting household financial stability.

Affordable New York outpost

Chautauqua County's rent-to-income ratio of 16.9% sits comfortably below New York's state average of 17.6%, ranking it among the state's more affordable counties. The $797 median rent costs $336 less than the state average, delivering genuine savings for renters.

Western NY affordability tier

Chautauqua's $797 rent sits between Allegany/Cattaraugus's sub-$760 markets and Broome's $914, positioned as an affordable option in western New York's rural belt. Home values of $119,300 remain accessible for working-class homebuyers seeking equity-building opportunities.

Housing leaves room to breathe

Renters dedicate 16.9% of the $56,507 median income to $797 monthly rent, while homeowners spend 16.7% on ownership ($785/month). Both figures sit below national and state averages, preserving household resources for savings, healthcare, and family needs.

Lake-country living on budget

If you're seeking western New York's lakeside communities and small-town character without financial strain, Chautauqua County delivers exceptional affordability alongside natural beauty. Homebuyers can achieve ownership under $120,000; renters enjoy sub-17% housing burdens—a rarity across America.

Affordability Calculator

See how your income compares to housing costs in Chautauqua County

Your Annual Household Income

Rent Burden

16.9%

of gross income

Max Housing (28% Rule)

$1,318

per month

Owner Cost Burden

16.7%

of gross income

You can likely afford the median home in Chautauqua County

Median home value is $119,300. Estimated monthly cost: $952 vs. your max of $1,318.

Rent Affordability Guide

Your rent-to-income ratio16.9%

Recommended max30.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cost of living in Chautauqua County, New York?

Chautauqua County, New York has a median monthly rent of $797/mo and a median home value of $119,300. The affordability rating is Unaffordable, with rent making up approximately 30.0% of median household income.

What is the median rent in Chautauqua County?

The median gross rent in Chautauqua County is $797/mo. This is 30% below state average for New York.

Is Chautauqua County affordable?

Chautauqua County is rated Unaffordable based on rent-to-income ratio of 30.0%. Spending over 50% of income on rent is generally considered unaffordable.

How does Chautauqua County's rent compare to the state average?

Chautauqua County's median rent of $797/mo is 30% below state average of $1,133/mo for New York.

What is the median home value in Chautauqua County?

The median home value in Chautauqua County, New York is $119,300. This is 58% below the national median home value of $281,900.