A-
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
7%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
14%
Housing NAT. AVG.
Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Oneonta New York National
Cost of living98118100
Goods & Services107108100
Groceries101102100
Health care109111100
Housing86144100
Transportation104107100
Utilities88101100
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 Oneonta, NY

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Oneonta 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 Oneonta is 98, which is 2% lower 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.

The cost of living in Oneonta closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Oneonta can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Oneonta Affordable?

Is Oneonta 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 Oneonta is 17.6% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 4.4% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Oneonta has a median household income of $81,139, which is 0.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oneonta?

Housing: High demand for housing in desirable locations can drive up property prices and rental rates. This can be a primary contributor to a higher cost of living. While low demand for housing, especially in undesirable locations, can have the reverse effect and drive prices down, resulting in a lower cost of living. The housing index in Oneonta, is 13.7% lower than the national average.

Taxes: Regions that impose higher taxes, including sales and income taxes, can contribute to an increased cost of living. Higher taxes for everyday necessities such as clothing, utilities and food inevitably leads to higher expenditures. Additionally, a higher income tax rate can also play a role in elevating the overall cost of living. In Oneonta, the prevailing sales tax rate starts at 4%, and income tax rates kick off at 4%.

Transportation: In cities with limited or no public transportation, residents may find it necessary to own and maintain vehicles, thereby elevating the cost of living. Monthly expenditures include fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potential lease or financing commitments. In Oneonta, the transportation index stands at 3.7% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Oneonta cost of living data you see above is sourced from the C2ER cost of living index, providing a practical and accurate means of comparing living expenses in urban areas. Updated quarterly, this index gathers data from over 300 independent researchers, covering more than 60 goods and services, in 6 different categories. These selections are made meticulously to represent a wide range of consumer expenditure categories. The weightings applied to cost differences are based on government survey data that tracks spending patterns among professional and executive households. It's important to note that while the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes factors tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Oneonta is 17% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Oneonta is 2% lower than the national average
  • Oneonta housing is 14% 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 Oneonta

See all the best places to live around Oneonta

Compare Oneonta, NY Cost of Living

City Image
    City Default Image
      vs
      Compare Neighborhoods & Addresses Local Insights Report

      Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.

      Local Insights Report
      How would you rate the cost of living in Oneonta?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      Is the cost of living increasing or decreasing in Oneonta?
      Write a review to give others more information about this area.
      See all Oneonta poll results

      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$118,588$9,882$2,767$3,558
      Renters$44,186$3,682$1,031$1,326
      The percent of monthly income spent on housing can be a good indicator of the affordability of housing in Oneonta, NY, as well as the overall cost of living. As a general rule of thumb, the debt-to-income ratio (DTI) for homeowners or renters should be not more than 28 percent of gross income to be spent on housing related costs and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses, including debts. The median income for Oneonta homeowners, is $118,588. This would allow for a maximum of $2,767 per month to be spent on housing costs. For renters, the median monthly income is $44,186 which would result in a maximum of $1,031 to be spent on rental costs.

      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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Oneonta National avg. Difference
      Haircut $25.25$27.628.6%
      Beauty Salon $39.72$51.1122.3%
      Toothpaste $4.16$4.091.6%
      Shampoo $1.53$1.540.8%
      Movie $8.00$12.8837.9%
      Yoga $20.75$19.665.5%

      Groceries

      Item Oneonta National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $7.50$7.702.7%
      Fried Chicken $1.62$1.662.5%
      Milk $5.10$4.737.8%
      Potatoes $5.48$5.264.3%
      Pizza $14.42$12.7613.0%
      Beer $10.39$10.551.5%

      Health Care

      Item Oneonta National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $171.33$140.0622.3%
      Doctor $182.22$153.8218.5%
      Dentist $121.67$123.151.2%
      Ibuprofen $11.69$11.730.4%
      Lipitor $25.65$23.618.6%

      Housing

      Item Oneonta National avg. Difference
      Home Price $268,996.00$326,622.0017.6%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,370.76$2,480.254.4%
      Apartment Rent $1,381.00$1,444.004.4%

      Transportation

      Item Oneonta National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.30$3.067.9%
      Tire Balancing $61.00$65.216.5%

      Utilities

      Item Oneonta National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $174.92$220.1220.5%
      Phone $198.84$195.711.6%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bloomville, NY2278712.7%
      Davenport Center, NY2748911.0%
      New Berlin, NY9998910.8%
      Schenevus, NY5699010.4%
      Unadilla, NY9369010.3%
      Oneonta, NY14,213982.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ephrata, PA14,2111000.4%
      Whitefish Bay, WI14,20912424.0%
      Orange, CT14,22013737.1%
      D'Iberville, MS14,203954.7%
      Bridgetown, OH14,203936.8%
      Oneonta, NY14,213982.1%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2025 and was released from C2ER in January, 2026; this is the most current data available.