Cost of Living in Tioga County, New York
At a Glance
Rent burden measured as median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income (Census ACS B25071)
How Tioga County Compares
Median monthly rent comparison
Detailed Housing Stats
National Ranking
Affordability Rank
Tioga County ranks #1,211 of 3,144 counties for affordability (top 39%)
Data Story
About Cost of Living in Tioga County, New York
Tioga excels at housing affordability
Tioga County residents enjoy a rent-to-income ratio of just 15.3%—among the best in America—despite median income of $71,791 sitting below the national average of $74,755. At $914 per month, median rent combined with modest household earnings creates exceptional affordability.
Top-tier affordability within New York
Tioga County ranks as one of New York's most affordable counties, with a 15.3% rent-to-income ratio beating the statewide 17.6% average by 2.3 percentage points. The $914 median rent is $219 below New York's typical, positioning Tioga as a standout value in an expensive state.
Among the cheapest in upstate cluster
Tioga County's $914 rent ranks second-lowest among our upstate peer group, surpassed only by St. Lawrence ($799) and undercutting Seneca ($925) and Steuben ($878). Its 15.3% rent-to-income ratio ties it with St. Lawrence as the region's best affordability story.
Minimal burden across housing options
Monthly rent is $914 while homeownership costs $1,017—nearly identical, indicating a balanced market where renters and buyers face similar burden. The median household income of $71,791 means renters spend just 15.3% of earnings on housing, among the lowest percentages in our comparison.
Tioga County: Upstate value champion
Tioga County delivers some of New York's best housing affordability, with sub-$915 rents and $153,000 median homes attracting budget-conscious relocators. Compare this 15.3% rent-to-income ratio against Tompkins (22.6%) or Suffolk (20.5%) to see how much your budget stretches in this underrated county.
Cost of Living Advisory: Tioga County
Affordability Verdict
Housing in Tioga County is affordable. The median rent is $914/month against a median household income of $71,791, putting rent at 15.3% of income.
Rent vs. Own
Renters in Tioga County pay $914/month on average, compared to $1,017/month for homeowners. This market favors renters by about 10%.
Income Needed
To afford the median rent without exceeding 30% of gross income, a household needs to earn approximately $36,560/year. For owner costs at the 28% rule, the required income is roughly $43,586/year. With a median household income of $71,791, most households can comfortably afford rent here. Notably, 28.0% of renter households in Tioga County are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of income on housing.
Regional Context
Within New York, Tioga County is more affordable than Hamilton County by roughly 6% ($914/mo vs $860/mo).
Affordability Calculator
See how your income compares to housing costs in Tioga County
Rent Burden
15.3%
of gross income
Max Housing (28% Rule)
$1,675
per month
Owner Cost Burden
17.0%
of gross income
You can likely afford the median home in Tioga County
Median home value is $153,200. Estimated monthly cost: $1,223 vs. your max of $1,675.
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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