10 affordable places to live in New York

New York still has pockets of lower-cost living

New York might have a pricey reputation, but plenty of smaller cities are much more affordable than the big metros. Some places in the state have a total annual cost of living under $37,000, making them worth a closer look.

The list doesn’t just estimate housing; it pairs broader day-to-day expenses with housing costs, including median household income, average home values, estimated monthly mortgage payments, and livability scores.

1. Jamestown sets the low cost baseline

Jamestown tops the list with a reported annual cost of living of $30,167. The study puts the average single-family home value at $121,082 and the average monthly mortgage at $670. Those housing numbers help explain why Jamestown ranks as the lowest-cost entry.

Median household income is listed at $44,878, which gives context for what affordable feels like on the ground. Jamestown’s livability score in the study is 68, a midrange rating rather than a perfect one.

2. Ogdensburg pairs low housing with higher income

Ogdensburg lands near the very bottom of the cost range, with an annual total of $30,515. The study lists an average home value of $108,962, which is one of the lowest home values on the list. The average monthly mortgage cost is $603 under the study’s assumptions.

Median household income is reported at $59,306, notably higher than in several other low-cost cities. Ogdensburg’s livability score is 67, close to Jamestown’s rating.

3. Hornell stays in the cheapest tier

Hornell is the third-lowest city in the ranking, with a stated annual cost of living of $30,686. The study reports a single-family home value of $109,141 and an average monthly mortgage of $604.

Median household income is listed at $46,321, which helps explain why total affordability is not just about cheap homes. Hornell’s livability score is 69, slightly higher than the first two cities. In this dataset, Hornell looks like a steady middle option within the cheapest tier.

4. Massena brings a stronger livability score

Massena’s annual cost of living is listed at $31,082, keeping it close to the bottom of the ranking. The study shows a home value of $115,826 and a monthly mortgage cost of $640. Even so, the housing piece is still low for New York after it steps up from the first three.

Median household income is reported at $48,810, which sits in the middle of the lower-cost cities. Massena’s livability score is 71, a higher mark than several earlier entries.

5. Dunkirk holds a top five spot

Dunkirk’s annual cost of living is listed at $31,195, placing it fifth in the ranking.

The study reports a single-family home value of $130,453 and a monthly mortgage of $721. That mortgage estimate is higher than Massena’s, but still low compared with many New York markets.

Median household income is shown at $49,003, keeping Dunkirk in the same income band as several peers. Its livability score is 72, one of the better ratings in the top five.

6. Elmira looks affordable but scores lower on livability

Elmira sits sixth on the list with an annual cost of living of $32,110. The study lists a home value of $121,602 and a monthly mortgage cost of $672. Compared with Dunkirk, Elmira’s housing numbers are lower, even though its total cost is higher.

Median household income is reported at $43,089, one of the lower income figures in the top ten. Elmira’s livability score is 63, which is also lower than most nearby entries.

7. Ilion is where costs start to jump

Ilion’s annual cost of living is listed at $34,786, a jump from the lowest-cost cities.

The study reports a single-family home value of $150,633 and a monthly mortgage cost of $833. This is where the list starts to look less like cheap housing and more like moderate housing by New York standards.

Median household income is shown at $61,880, one of the highest income figures among the 20 cities. Ilion’s livability score is 68, placing it in the middle of the pack.

8. Potsdam mixes high livability with low income

Potsdam’s annual cost of living is listed at $35,107, putting it in the top ten’s higher-cost half. The study reports a home value of $173,305 and a monthly mortgage cost of $958. That is one of the higher mortgage estimates so far.

Median household income is shown at $32,061, the lowest income figure among the ten cities so far. At the same time, Potsdam’s livability score is 73, a strong rating in this dataset.

9. Niagara Falls is affordable but rated lower

Niagara Falls appears ninth on the list with an annual cost of living of $35,193. The study puts the home value at $166,790, with a monthly mortgage estimate of $922. Those housing numbers sit between Potsdam and Binghamton.

Median household income is listed at $48,535, close to several other cities in the top ten. Niagara Falls has a livability score of 59, one of the lower ratings in the dataset.

10. Binghamton posts one of the strongest livability scores

Binghamton rounds out the first ten with an annual cost of living of $35,783. The study reports a single-family home value of $180,308 and a monthly mortgage estimate of $997.

Median household income is listed at $44,331, which is lower than some nearby entries on the list. Binghamton’s livability score is 77, a standout rating in this dataset.

The spread is bigger than it looks

Even on a list of places with annual costs of living under $37,000, the numbers vary. Jamestown comes in at $30,167, while Endicott hits $36,996.

Home prices range from $108,962 in Ogdensburg to $206,537 in Fredonia, with monthly mortgages between $603 and $1,142.

Livability scores run from 59 to 82, so higher prices don’t always mean a better rating. Use this ranking as a starting point for a 2026 move, then research jobs, taxes, schools, and commute times in detail.

Curious which town retirees are preferring in New York right now? Check out next, why retirees are flocking to this underrated New York town.

More places still make the “affordable” cut

If you think living in New York might be too expensive, there are still other affordable places to consider. Cities like Canton, Watertown, Fredonia, Fulton, Cortland, Seneca Falls, and Endicott all have costs under $37,000 a year.

Housing may be a bit pricier than the very cheapest spots, but these towns offer their own benefits. It’s really about finding the place that fits your budget and lifestyle best.

If you’ve been dreaming of life on Florida’s coast, check out affordable Florida towns worth moving to in 2026.

Which of these places would you actually consider, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments.

This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.

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