F
29%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
76%
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 Brentwood New York National
Cost of living129121100
Groceries107106100
Health care108110100
Housing176144100
Transportation111113100
Utilities109112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107111100
Household Items106106100
Education & Childcare123118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Brentwood, NY

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Brentwood? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Brentwood stands at 129, making it 29% higher 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.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Brentwood may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Brentwood falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Brentwood cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 75.7% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Is Brentwood Affordable?

Wondering if Brentwood is affordable? It's a question that often comes up when you're thinking about a new city since affordability can really shape your decisions. The cost of living index (covered earlier), housing expenses and income levels all play a part in the affordability equation. In Brentwood, for example, the median home price is 87.8% higher than what folks pay nationally, and monthly rent is 47.6% higher than the usual rates. Plus, income levels matter too, with Brentwood boasting a median household income of $134,910, which is 65.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Brentwood?

Subsidies: Certain cities or states may institute government subsidies or assistance programs designed to alleviate the financial burdens associated with the cost of living for their residents. These programs encompass a variety of support mechanisms, including Medicare, Medicaid, housing subsidies, low-income home energy assistance programs, school lunch programs, supplemental nutrition assistance programs, student loans, electric vehicle tax credits, affordable care act subsidies and farm subsidies. Areas that provide fewer subsidies may see an uptick in their overall cost of living.

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 Brentwood, the housing index is 75.7% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an escalated cost of living. The added expense of taxes on everyday goods like clothing and food naturally results in higher overall costs. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can further elevate the cost of living. In Brentwood, the general sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates begin at 4%.

Where is the Data From?

The Brentwood cost of living data displayed above uses a U.S. average baseline of 100 to provide a practical way to compare living expenses across cities. Housing estimates incorporate U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are generated using AI-assisted models based on everyday expense expectations, regional pricing trends, climate, transportation patterns, and local economic conditions. These values are designed for directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Brentwood is 7% higher than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Brentwood is 29% higher than the national average
  • Brentwood housing is 76% 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

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Compare Brentwood, 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$152,101$12,675$3,549$4,563
      Renters$72,298$6,025$1,687$2,169
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Brentwood, 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 Brentwood, the median monthly income is $152,101 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $3,549 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $72,298, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,687 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.
      Ocean Beach, NY321109.6%
      Saltaire, NY261109.6%
      Stony Brook University, NY8,7751109.6%
      Wyandanch, NY11,92512525.1%
      Sound Beach, NY7,24312827.5%
      Brentwood, NY64,44812929.5%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      La Habra, CA64,44116665.5%
      Waltham, MA64,47716463.5%
      Montebello, CA64,50315656.0%
      Idaho Falls, ID64,374990.8%
      Doral, FL64,54614141.5%
      Brentwood, NY64,44812929.5%
      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.