A-
11%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
42%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Amsterdam New York National
Cost of living89117100
Goods & Services106108100
Groceries103102100
Health care93103100
Housing58145100
Transportation97105100
Utilities102100100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Amsterdam, NY

Understanding the cost of living in Amsterdam can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Amsterdam cost of living index is 89, which is 11% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

Amsterdam housing costs are 41.6% less than the national average, making this area an affordable place to live. Your net income can be heavily impacted by housing expenses, at times exceeding 30%. Fortunately, this area demonstrates that both homeownership and renting costs are significantly more budget-friendly than in the rest of the country. With such favorable housing affordability, Amsterdam residents can earmark a more manageable portion of their income to housing.

Is Amsterdam Affordable?

Is Amsterdam affordable? This is a pivotal question, especially when mulling over a move, as affordability carries substantial weight in your decision-making process. Factors such as the cost of living index (discussed earlier), housing expenses and income levels all contribute to a location's affordability. For instance, in Amsterdam, the median home price is 51.8% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 17.7% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Amsterdam boasting a median household income of $40,696, 26.4% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Amsterdam?

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Amsterdam, the housing index stands at 41.6% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Amsterdam, the utilities index is 1.7% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Locations with elevated tax rates, encompassing both sales and income taxes, can be a factor in driving up the cost of living. When you're paying more in taxes for everyday goods and services, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Amsterdam, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4%, and the income tax rates commence at 4%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data in Amsterdam displayed above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, which serves as a practical tool for comparing living expenses across urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, this index aggregates data from over 300 independent researchers, encompassing more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. The weightings assigned to cost differences rely on government survey data that tracks the spending habits of professional and executive households. It's worth noting that the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, while AreaVibes integrates tax rates into the overall cost of living evaluation for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Amsterdam is 23% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Amsterdam is 11% lower than the national average
  • Amsterdam housing is 42% lower than the national average
  • New York general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • New York state income tax is 77% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Amsterdam

See all the best places to live around Amsterdam

Compare Amsterdam, NY Cost of Living

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      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$57,951$4,829$1,352$1,739
      Renters$26,070$2,173$608$782
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Amsterdam, NY, we can look at the percentage of income that is available to be spent on monthly housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). To stay on the safe side, a consumer should not spend more than 28% of his or her gross income on housing-related expenses and costs and not more than 36% of income on all expenses and debts. Homeowners in Amsterdam have a median income of $57,951. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,352 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $26,070, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $608.

      New York Sales Tax

      State General Sales Tax With Max Surtax
      New York 4% 8.875%

      New York Income Tax

      State Income Tax (Low) Income Tax (High)
      New York 4% 10.9%

      Goods & Services

      Item Amsterdam National avg. Difference
      Haircut $28.28$24.2616.6%
      Beauty Salon $51.36$45.5612.7%
      Toothpaste $3.74$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.28$1.280.3%
      Movie $13.08$12.137.8%
      Bowling $15.96$18.0011.3%

      Groceries

      Item Amsterdam National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.06$5.843.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.60$1.571.5%
      Milk $4.85$4.673.9%
      Potatoes $5.09$4.933.2%
      Pizza $14.69$12.0921.5%
      Beer $10.90$10.414.7%

      Health Care

      Item Amsterdam National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $132.47$125.685.4%
      Doctor $111.33$135.7818.0%
      Dentist $111.69$113.291.4%
      Ibuprofen $10.90$10.652.3%
      Lipitor $436.57$468.606.8%

      Housing

      Item Amsterdam National avg. Difference
      Home Price $89,000.00$184,700.0051.8%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,531.65$2,346.697.9%
      Apartment Rent $781.00$949.0017.7%

      Transportation

      Item Amsterdam National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.55$3.462.5%
      Tire Balancing $50.33$59.9216.0%

      Utilities

      Item Amsterdam National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $196.70$193.991.4%
      Phone $195.71$192.251.8%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gloversville, NY14,7718812.4%
      Fonda, NY7248811.8%
      Caroga Lake, NY410936.9%
      Johnstown, NY8,236928.0%
      Fultonville, NY615927.9%
      Amsterdam, NY17,8238910.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      El Dorado, AR17,8267920.7%
      Radford, VA17,833955.1%
      Portland, TX17,8071010.6%
      Albert Lea, MN17,8048812.1%
      Westerly, RI17,84212121.1%
      Amsterdam, NY17,8238910.5%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.