A+
17%
Overall NAT. AVG.
3%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
55%
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 Jamestown New York National
Cost of living83121100
Groceries97106100
Health care97110100
Housing45144100
Transportation101113100
Utilities101112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment96111100
Household Items102106100
Education & Childcare98118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Jamestown, NY

Are you thinking about relocating, but curious about the potential cost of living in Jamestown? Is it more expensive or more affordable than average? Based on the most recent report, the cost of living in Jamestown stands at 83, making it 17% 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.

Housing expenses often consume a significant portion of your net income, occasionally surpassing 30%. Fortunately, housing costs in Jamestown are 54.7% below the national average. This highlights the region's exceptional affordability for both homeownership and rentals in comparison to the rest of the country. This favorable housing situation allows residents to allocate a more reasonable fraction of their income to housing, resulting in enhanced financial flexibility and improved overall financial well-being.

Is Jamestown Affordable?

Is Jamestown 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 Jamestown, the median home price is 62.5% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 36.4% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Jamestown boasting a median household income of $51,027, 37.3% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Jamestown?

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 household expenses, it naturally translates into higher expenses. Similarly, a higher income tax rate can also contribute to an overall higher cost of living. In Jamestown, the standard sales tax rate starts at 4%, and the income tax rates commence at 4%.

Urbanization: Urban areas with a wealth of amenities and employment opportunities tend to come with a higher price tag for living. Why? Well, more people want to be there, which drives up home prices and rents. On the flip side, less densely populated rural areas or places where there's not as much demand usually mean fewer attractions, things to do and slower job growth. That often results in a lower cost of living.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Jamestown, the groceries index is 2.7% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Jamestown 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 Jamestown is 31% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Jamestown is 17% lower than the national average
  • Jamestown housing is 55% 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 Jamestown

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Compare Jamestown, 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$87,493$7,291$2,041$2,625
      Renters$32,414$2,701$756$973
      A good way to judge both the affordability of the housing and the cost of living in Jamestown is by simply calculating the maximum that should be spent on housing, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). The plan is to avoid spending more than 28 percent of the gross income on costs that pertain to housing and no more than 36 percent on all expenses and debts. Jamestown has a median income of about $87,493 for people who own homes. Based on that number, a maximum of $2,041 should be spent on expenses related to housing. Renters have a slightly different median income, which is $32,414. Based on this average, renters should spend no more than $756 on all rental costs if they want to maintain a non-impoverished standard of living.

      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.
      Chautauqua, NY311991.2%
      Kennedy, NY2717822.0%
      Sinclairville, NY6368217.8%
      Falconer, NY2,3318316.6%
      Randolph, NY1,073918.8%
      Jamestown, NY30,1278317.3%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Oak Park, MI30,129945.9%
      Austintown, OH30,1228614.4%
      Southgate, MI30,149928.3%
      O'Fallon, IL30,1511065.8%
      Crofton, MD30,10013939.2%
      Jamestown, NY30,1278317.3%
      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.