Cost of Living in Queens County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Queens County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Queens County, New York
Queens rents outpace national norms
Queens residents spend 27.1% of their income on rent, significantly above the national average of roughly 28% (based on median income), but driven by the county's higher-than-average incomes of $84,961 versus the nation's $74,755. This elevated rent-to-income ratio reflects New York City's housing market gravity pulling rents toward $1,915 monthly.
Queens ranks among state's priciest
At 27.1%, Queens' rent-to-income ratio sits well above New York State's 17.6% average, making it one of the least affordable counties in the state for renters. The county's median rent of $1,915 is 69% higher than the state average of $1,133, reflecting its position in the New York metro housing market.
Queens stretches budgets harder than neighbors
Richmond County residents pay less proportionally (20.6% of income on rent) despite similar home values, while Rockland County renters allocate just 19.8% of income to housing despite higher absolute rents. Queens' 27.1% ratio makes it the least affordable among these comparable downstate counties.
Housing consumes nearly a third of income
With median rent at $1,915 and owner costs at $1,830 monthly, Queens households earning $84,961 annually dedicate more than a quarter of their income to housing. Renters shoulder a heavier burden than owners: at 27.1% of income, rent takes up nearly 500% more of household budgets than the state average.
Consider your housing priorities before relocating
If housing affordability is your move, Queens offers urban amenities but demands premium rents; Saratoga and Rensselaer counties offer 37-40% lower rent-to-income ratios while maintaining strong median incomes above $86,000. Compare your salary trajectory against these counties' job markets before deciding.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Queens County
Rent Burden
27.0%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,982
per month
Owner Cost Burden
25.8%
of gross income
The median home in Queens County may be a stretch
Median home value is $699,200. Estimated monthly cost: $5,582 vs. your max of $1,982.
Rent Affordability Guide
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.