A+
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
37%
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 Oswego New York National
Cost of living95121100
Groceries105106100
Health care110110100
Housing63144100
Transportation110113100
Utilities114112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108111100
Household Items105106100
Education & Childcare117118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Oswego, NY

Getting a feel for the cost of living in Oswego 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 Oswego is 95, which is 5% 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 Oswego aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, household expenses, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Oswego residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Oswego Affordable?

Is Oswego 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 Oswego, the median home price is 49.3% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 9.3% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Oswego boasting a median household income of $68,702, 15.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oswego?

Groceries: Grocery expenditures have undergone notable escalation over the last 2-3 years. In some markets, the cost of food products has surged by more than 20%, while others have experienced only modest increments. These fluctuations in food costs can have a significant impact on the overall cost of living in any region. In Oswego, the groceries index registers 5.4% higher than the national average.

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 Oswego, the housing index is 37.3% lower than the national average.

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 data for Oswego shown above is based on a U.S. average baseline score of 100, making it easier to compare how far your dollar may go from one city to another. Housing uses U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all remaining values are AI-assisted estimates informed by regional pricing, climate, transportation dynamics, and local economic factors. These scores are best used for directional comparisons between cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Oswego is 21% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Oswego is 5% lower than the national average
  • Oswego housing is 37% 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 Oswego

See all the best places to live around Oswego

Compare Oswego, 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$103,360$8,613$2,412$3,101
      Renters$40,009$3,334$933$1,200
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Oswego, NY, is the percentage of monthly income that should be spent on housing expenses, otherwise known as the debt-to-income ratio (DTI). Generally speaking, no more than 28 percent of your total gross income should be spent on your housing expenses and not more than 36 percent of your gross income on total expenses, including debts. In Oswego, the median monthly income is $103,360 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,412 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $40,009, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $933 on monthly rental expenses.

      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.
      SUNY Oswego, NY3,7911099.3%
      Fulton, NY11,649937.0%
      Hannibal, NY709945.9%
      Red Creek, NY732954.7%
      Mexico, NY1,786973.4%
      Oswego, NY17,822954.7%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Hinsdale, IL17,81719090.0%
      Taylor, TX17,845972.7%
      Shorewood, IL17,84811817.8%
      Avenel, NJ17,86212120.9%
      Perry, GA17,864955.0%
      Oswego, NY17,822954.7%
      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.