Cost of Living in Ontario County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Ontario County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Ontario County ranks #1,835 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 42%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Ontario County, New York
Ontario's rent ratio stays below national stress
Ontario County residents spend 16.9% of their income on rent, well below the national affordability crisis threshold and among the healthiest ratios statewide. With a median household income of $79,814—higher than the national average—Ontario residents have solid earning power relative to housing costs.
One of New York's more affordable options
Ontario County's 16.9% rent-to-income ratio outperforms the state average of 17.6%, positioning it among New York's more livable housing markets. The median rent of $1,126 sits modestly above the state average, reflecting a slight price premium justified by better incomes and affordability metrics.
Ontario leads region in balanced affordability
Ontario's $1,126 rent ranks between Onondaga ($1,067) and the costlier Putnam County markets, while its 16.9% rent-to-income ratio beats the state average. The county offers higher earning potential than Oneida or Oswego while maintaining comparable affordability to its regional peers.
Strong incomes offset slightly higher rents
Ontario households earn $79,814 annually—$5,059 above the national median—while paying $1,126 in rent, resulting in a healthy 16.9% housing-cost ratio. Owner costs of $1,199 per month remain manageable relative to this county's stronger wage base.
Ontario rewards higher earners seeking value
If your household income exceeds state medians, Ontario County delivers strong affordability with above-average earnings and rent-to-income ratios better than the state. The combination of $79,814 median income and 16.9% rent burden makes it an attractive alternative to pricier downstate counties.
Cost of Living Advisory: Ontario County
Affordability Verdict
For renters in Ontario County, the market is affordable. Expect to pay around $1,126/month in gross rent, with 27.0% of renter households considered cost-burdened.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Ontario County is $1,126/month, while owner costs run $1,199/month. Renting saves approximately $73/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $45,040/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $51,386/year. With a median household income of $79,814, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 27.0% of renter households in Ontario County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New York, Ontario County is less affordable than Rensselaer County by roughly 5% ($1,126/mo vs $1,182/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Ontario County
Rent Burden
16.9%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,862
per month
Owner Cost Burden
18.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Ontario County
Median home value is $202,900. Estimated monthly cost: $1,620 vs. your max of $1,862.
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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