C+
8%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
7%
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 Kingston New York National
Cost of living108121100
Groceries107106100
Health care107110100
Housing107144100
Transportation108113100
Utilities109112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112111100
Household Items107106100
Education & Childcare112118100
Does this Area Fit Your Budget? Local Insights Report
  • Know the community before you call it home
  • Compare multiple areas side by side
  • Access over 300 data points for any address
Local Insights Report

An Overview of Cost of Living in Kingston, NY

The cost of living in Kingston affects the quality of life one can afford in this new location. It allows people to assess whether they can maintain their preferred lifestyle, including housing, leisure activities and dining options. Your total monthly expenditures can varry depending on the area, as well as many other factors. The cost of living in Kingston is 108, which is 8% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

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

Is Kingston Affordable?

Is Kingston 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 Kingston, the median home price is 4.8% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 12.5% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Kingston boasting a median household income of $82,455, 1.4% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Kingston?

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 Kingston, the housing index is 7.1% 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 Kingston, the transportation index is 8.2% higher than the national average.

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The Kingston 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 Kingston is 10% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Kingston is 8% higher than the national average
  • Kingston housing is 7% 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 Kingston

See all the best places to live around Kingston

Compare Kingston, NY Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      How would you rate the cost of living in Kingston?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Kingston?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Kingston poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle index
      Household index
      Educare index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$127,701$10,642$2,979$3,831
      Renters$58,130$4,844$1,356$1,744
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Kingston, NY, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Kingston, homeowners have a median income of $127,701. Using that number, a maximum of $2,979 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $58,130, which means there is a maximum of $1,356 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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.
      Rifton, NY5271098.5%
      Salt Point, NY1981098.5%
      Accord, NY5721021.7%
      High Falls, NY4301044.1%
      Lincoln Park, NY2,2241044.4%
      Kingston, NY23,7081088.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Landover, MD23,70511515.3%
      Blue Island, IL23,702936.9%
      Willoughby, OH23,699954.9%
      Laguna Beach, CA23,724326226.2%
      Millbrae, CA23,726287186.6%
      Kingston, NY23,7081088.1%
      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.