A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
4%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
39%
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 Lackawanna New York National
Cost of living95121100
Groceries104106100
Health care109110100
Housing61144100
Transportation114113100
Utilities114112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108111100
Household Items106106100
Education & Childcare117118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Lackawanna, NY

Understanding the cost of living in Lackawanna can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Lackawanna cost of living index is 95, which is 5% lower than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

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

Is Lackawanna Affordable?

Is Lackawanna an affordable place to live? It's a good question and one that you might want to ask when considering any new city, as affordability can play a huge role in the decision making process. The cost of living index (which we covered above), as well as housing costs and income levels play a vital role in determining the affordability of an area. The median home price in Lackawanna is 45% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 26% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Lackawanna has a median household income of $59,607, which is 26.7% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Lackawanna?

Transportation: If public transportation is limited or not available, residents may need to own and maintain vehicles, which can add to the cost of living. Gas, insurance, regular maintenance and potentially lease or finance payments will all need to be paid on a monthly basis. In Lackawanna, the transportation index is 13.6% 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.

Subsidies: Some areas might offer government subsidies or assistance programs that help lower cost of living for residents. These programs can include anything from 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 crop subsidies. Areas that offer less subsidies, could see an increase in their cost of living.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna is 21% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Lackawanna is 5% lower than the national average
  • Lackawanna housing is 39% 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 Lackawanna

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Compare Lackawanna, 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$84,128$7,011$1,963$2,524
      Renters$37,935$3,161$885$1,138
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Lackawanna, 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 Lackawanna have a median income of $84,128. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $1,963 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $37,935, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $885.

      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.
      Sloan, NY3,688954.7%
      Tonawanda city, NY15,560945.6%
      Lake Erie Beach, NY3,454972.5%
      Buffalo, NY262,656982.3%
      Blasdell, NY2,723973.3%
      Lackawanna, NY18,342955.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Logansport, IN18,3428218.0%
      Lake Butler, FL18,34017070.0%
      West Columbia, SC18,344963.9%
      Bryn Mawr-Skyway, WA18,33414444.0%
      Portland, TX18,3531044.3%
      Lackawanna, NY18,342955.1%
      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.