Cost of Living in Rensselaer, NY

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B
5%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
10%
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 Rensselaer New York National
Cost of living105121100
Groceries106106100
Health care111110100
Housing90144100
Transportation111113100
Utilities118112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment112111100
Household Items106106100
Education & Childcare123118100
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Homes For Sale In Rensselaer, NY

property for sale

77 Capitol Pl

Rensselaer, NY
property for sale

1900 7th St

Rensselaer, NY
property for sale

1103 Mann Ave

Rensselaer, NY
property for sale

22 Brook St

Rensselaer, NY
See the Newest Homes For Sale In Rensselaer, NY

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Rensselaer is 13% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Rensselaer is 5% higher than the national average
  • Rensselaer housing is 10% 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

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      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$110,709$9,226$2,583$3,322
      Renters$72,109$6,009$1,682$2,163
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Rensselaer, 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 Rensselaer have a median income of $110,709. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,583 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $72,109, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,682.

      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.
      Schenectady, NY66,726990.7%
      Green Island, NY2,7071000.3%
      Scotia, NY7,8981033.1%
      Nassau, NY1,1541044.0%
      Waterford, NY2,2221021.8%
      Rensselaer, NY9,4751054.9%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Penetanguishene, ON9,475n/a 
      Incline Village, NV9,47618988.8%
      Greenville, NY9,476203103.2%
      Clinton, OK9,4798514.6%
      New Richmond, WI9,4791011.2%
      Rensselaer, NY9,4751054.9%
      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.
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