F
52%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
151%
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 Babylon New York National
Cost of living152121100
Groceries104106100
Health care110110100
Housing251144100
Transportation113113100
Utilities110112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment114111100
Household Items105106100
Education & Childcare113118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Babylon, NY

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Babylon is essential for anyone planning to relocate, as it empowers them to make informed financial decisions, secure a comfortable lifestyle and maintain financial stability in their new environment. The cost of living in Babylon is 152, which is 52% higher than the national average. Relocating individuals may need to adjust their savings and investment strategies based on the cost of living in the new location. It influences decisions about retirement planning, investments and financial goals.

If affordability is among your top priorities when searching for a new place to live, this area may not be the ideal fit, as the cost of living in Babylon is among the most expensive in the United States. Just a minority of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Babylon falls into this category, which may not align with your goal of finding a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs make up a big chunk of the cost of living in Babylon, and they usually eat into a large part of your take-home pay. Unfortunately, in this area, both buying a home and renting one costs 151% more than the average city. This includes stuff like home prices, rent, mortgage rates, and insurance.

Is Babylon Affordable?

Is Babylon 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 Babylon, the median home price is 162.6% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 123.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Babylon boasting a median household income of $192,284, 136.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Babylon?

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Babylon, the utilities index registers at 9.8% higher than the national average.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenditures and insurance premium rates can vary significantly, contingent upon the particular city or state. Factors such as the accessibility of healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's appointments, dental care charges, prescription medication costs, and expenses related to specialized medical care can all have an impact on the overall cost of living. In Babylon, healthcare costs are 9.8% higher than the national average.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Babylon, the transportation index is 13.1% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Babylon shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Babylon is 26% higher than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Babylon is 52% higher than the national average
  • Babylon housing is 151% higher 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 Babylon

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Compare Babylon, 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$193,233$16,103$4,508$5,798
      Renters$128,053$10,671$2,988$3,842
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Babylon, NY, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Babylon, the median monthly income is $193,233 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $4,508 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $128,053, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $2,988 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      Stony Brook University, NY8,7751109.6%
      Ocean Beach, NY321109.6%
      Saltaire, NY261109.6%
      Wyandanch, NY11,92512525.1%
      Central Islip, NY34,52612828.1%
      Babylon, NY12,37815251.8%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Neosho, MO12,3758415.8%
      Somersworth, NH12,3811088.5%
      Rossmoor, CA12,384226126.0%
      Sidney, BC12,386n/a 
      Clawson, MI12,368990.9%
      Babylon, NY12,37815251.8%
      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.