B+
3%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
14%
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 Oneonta New York National
Cost of living103121100
Groceries106106100
Health care109110100
Housing86144100
Transportation115113100
Utilities110112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113111100
Household Items104106100
Education & Childcare119118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oneonta, NY

The cost of living in Oneonta 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 Oneonta is 103, which is 3% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

In Oneonta, daily expenses such as food, housing, lifestyle expenses, transportation and health care are in line with comparable areas and about average when compared to all cities across the nation. This ensures that the cost of living in Oneonta will resemble that 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?

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.

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 14.8% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any other goods or services, utility expenditures can exhibit substantial variability, influenced by factors such as climate, energy sources accessibility, geographical location and state regulations. Costs related to electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can fluctuate, whether higher or lower, contingent on the city or state. In Oneonta, the utilities index is 10% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Oneonta cost of living data above is designed around a U.S. average baseline of 100, allowing for easy comparisons of relative living costs. Housing incorporates U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other figures are AI-assisted estimates that account for regional price trends, climate, transportation dynamics, and common everyday expenses. These values are best used as directional city-to-city comparisons.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Oneonta is 14% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Oneonta is 3% higher 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

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Compare Oneonta, NY Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Utilities index
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      Educare 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%

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bloomville, NY227937.0%
      Davenport Center, NY274945.7%
      New Berlin, NY999945.5%
      Schenevus, NY569955.2%
      Unadilla, NY936945.6%
      Oneonta, NY14,2131033.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Ephrata, PA14,211964.1%
      Whitefish Bay, WI14,20912525.5%
      Orange, CT14,22013635.8%
      D'Iberville, MS14,203955.2%
      Bridgetown, OH14,203919.3%
      Oneonta, NY14,2131033.2%
      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.