Cost of Living in Kings County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Kings County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Kings County ranks #1,078 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 34%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Kings County, New York
Kings County's affordability crisis
Kings County residents spend 27.3% of income on rent—the highest ratio in this survey and nearly double the national average. With median household income of $78,548 and median rent of $1,784 monthly, even above-average earners struggle with housing costs.
Extreme housing burden statewide
Kings County's 27.3% rent-to-income ratio far exceeds New York's 17.6% state average, positioning it as the state's most housing-stressed county in this survey. Median rent of $1,784 reflects the extreme costs of this densely urban market.
Uniquely expensive market
Kings County's $1,784 median rent dwarfs all upstate neighbors—more than double Jefferson County's $1,214. As Brooklyn, Kings represents a fundamentally different housing market than rural and small-city upstate alternatives.
Extraordinary housing burden
Kings County renters earning the median $78,548 annually pay $1,784 monthly for housing, consuming 27% of gross income. Homebuyers navigate median home values of $889,700 and monthly owner costs of $2,248—extraordinary figures that leave limited discretionary spending across income levels.
Reconsider Kings for affordability
If housing affordability influences your relocation decision, Kings County (Brooklyn) presents a fundamentally different challenge than upstate alternatives—with 27.3% of income going to rent versus 14-17% elsewhere in New York. Moving upstate to counties like Herkimer or Genesee could cut housing costs by 50% or more.
Cost of Living Advisory: Kings County
Affordability Verdict
Kings County offers moderately affordable rental housing at a median of $1,784/month — about 27.3% of the typical household income here.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Kings County is $1,784/month, while owner costs run $2,248/month. Renting saves approximately $464/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $71,360/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $96,343/year. With a median household income of $78,548, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 30.0% of renter households in Kings County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Kings County sits 5% less expensive than Westchester County ($1,876/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Kings County
Rent Burden
27.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,833
per month
Owner Cost Burden
34.3%
of gross income
The median home in Kings County may be a stretch
Median home value is $889,700. Estimated monthly cost: $7,103 vs. your max of $1,833.
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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