A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
34%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living score is 90, then the estimated cost of living is 10% lower than the national average. If the score is 110, then the estimated cost of living is 10% higher than average. The overall index is calculated using weighted estimates across major everyday expense categories, including housing (30%), groceries (16%), transportation (12%), healthcare (10%), utilities (8%), lifestyle and entertainment (8%), household expenses (8%), and education and childcare (8%). All values are AI-assisted city-level estimates designed for directional comparisons.
Index Auburn New York National
Cost of living96121100
Groceries105106100
Health care110110100
Housing66144100
Transportation110113100
Utilities114112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108111100
Household Items105106100
Education & Childcare117118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Auburn, NY

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Auburn? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Auburn stands at 96, making it 4% lower than the national average. The cost of living directly affects the affordability of one's desired lifestyle. Knowing the cost of housing, transportation, groceries and other essentials in the new area allows people to gauge whether they can maintain their preferred standard of living.

Everyday expenditures like food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care in Auburn are priced in a manner consistent with other areas. This means that residents of Auburn can anticipate their daily expenses remaining reasonably similar to those in an average city, thereby supporting a manageable cost of living.

Is Auburn Affordable?

Is Auburn an affordable place to live? That's a valid question to ask when you're thinking about moving to a new city. After all, how much it costs to live somewhere can be a huge factor in your decision. Affordability can be broken down into 3 common categories. The cost of living index (we talked about it earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a big role in figuring out if a place is affordable. For instance, in Auburn, the median home price is 40.1% lower than what most folks pay across the country, and monthly rent prices are 21.3% lower than the usual rates. Income levels in Auburn come in at $65,107, which is 20% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Auburn?

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday household expenses like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Auburn starts at 4% and the income tax rates start at 4%.

Healthcare: Healthcare costs and insurance premiums can fluctuate greatly based on the city or state. Access to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor\’s visits, dentist costs, medication costs and specialized care costs can all impact the cost of living. In Auburn, the healthcare costs are 9.8% higher than the national average.

Housing: When there's a high demand for housing in trendy places, it can cause property prices and rental rates to soar, leading to a significantly higher cost of living. Conversely, in less desirable locations, where demand is low, prices tend to decrease, resulting in a more budget-friendly cost of living. In Auburn, the housing index is 34.5% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Auburn are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Auburn is 20% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Auburn is 4% lower than the national average
  • Auburn housing is 34% lower than the national average
  • New York general sales tax is 22% lower than the national average
  • New York state income tax is 54% higher than the national average

Most Affordable Places to Live in and Around Auburn

See all the best places to live around Auburn

Compare Auburn, NY Cost of Living

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      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$103,017$8,585$2,404$3,091
      Renters$40,556$3,380$946$1,217
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Auburn, 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 Auburn have a median income of $103,017. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,404 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $40,556, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $946.

      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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Savannah, NY5619010.1%
      Romulus, NY446928.1%
      Port Byron, NY1,066945.8%
      Waterloo, NY4,839946.4%
      Seneca Falls, NY6,507955.0%
      Auburn, NY27,187963.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Sun City Center, FL27,17711212.1%
      Ewa Gentry, HI27,20317271.7%
      University Park, FL27,16611413.8%
      Daphne, AL27,1601043.6%
      Dieppe, NB27,260n/a 
      Auburn, NY27,187963.8%
      Date & Last Updated: These cost of living estimates reflect 2026 modeled data using U.S. Census housing inputs and AI-assisted city-level pricing models.