Cost of Living in Suffolk County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Suffolk County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Suffolk County ranks #2,294 of 3,144 counties for affordability (bottom 27%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Suffolk County, New York
Suffolk: High earners, high housing costs
Suffolk County's rent-to-income ratio of 20.5% exceeds the national average despite a median household income of $128,329—nearly 72% above the U.S. median. At $2,190 per month, median rent reflects Long Island's regional market dynamics, where high incomes coexist with premium housing costs.
Least affordable county in New York
Suffolk County has the highest rent-to-income ratio in our dataset at 20.5%, significantly above New York's 17.6% state average. Despite earning the most of any county studied here, residents allocate substantially more income to housing, underscoring Long Island's affordability crisis.
Drastically pricier than upstate peers
Suffolk County's $2,190 median rent towers over upstate comparables like Seneca ($925), Steuben ($878), and Tioga ($914)—some paying 2.5 times less. Even Ulster County, Westchester's southern neighbor, charges only $1,335 rent, making Suffolk's prices distinctly unaffordable by regional standards.
Where income meets expensive housing
Median rent reaches $2,190 monthly while homeownership costs $2,549, consuming 20.5% and 23.7% of household income respectively. With a median home value of $539,500, homeownership requires exceptional earning power—accessible only to the county's well-compensated professionals.
Suffolk demands serious earning power
Suffolk County is best suited for high-income households earning $120,000+ annually; anyone else will struggle with its 20.5% rent-to-income burden. If you're considering relocation away from Suffolk, upstate counties like Steuben offer identical or better quality of life while cutting housing costs by 65–75%.
Cost of Living Advisory: Suffolk County
Affordability Verdict
Suffolk County is affordable for renters, with a median gross rent of $2,190/month representing approximately 20.5% of median household income. The rent burden (GRAPI) stands at 34.0%.
Rent vs. Own
The median rent in Suffolk County is $2,190/month, while owner costs run $2,549/month. Renting saves approximately $359/month.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $87,600/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $109,243/year. With a median household income of $128,329, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 34.0% of renter households in Suffolk County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Suffolk County sits 3% more expensive than New York County ($2,132/month) in terms of median gross rent.
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Suffolk County
Rent Burden
20.5%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$2,994
per month
Owner Cost Burden
23.8%
of gross income
The median home in Suffolk County may be a stretch
Median home value is $539,500. Estimated monthly cost: $4,307 vs. your max of $2,994.
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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