A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
36%
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 Rome New York National
Cost of living96121100
Groceries105106100
Health care108110100
Housing64144100
Transportation113113100
Utilities111112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107111100
Household Items107106100
Education & Childcare118118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Rome, NY

Understanding the cost of living in Rome 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 Rome cost of living index is 96, which is 4% 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.

The cost of living in Rome is about average when compared to all other cities across the nation. You can expect that everyday items like food, household expenses and utility bills will be no more expensive than any other average city. Residents can anticipate living expenses that remain in line with the national average, ensuring a manageable financial burden, making it an attractive choice for those seeking affordability without the constraints of higher everyday expenditures.

What Do Locals Say About the Cost of Living in Rome?

The most insightful perspective on a city comes from its residents. We recently surveyed 6 locals to gauge their perception of the cost of living in Rome. The feedback revealed that 50% of respondents found the cost of living to be reasonable, with prices on the decline, while 50% regarded it as notably expensive with prices that continue to rise.

Is Rome Affordable?

Is Rome 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 Rome is 43.3% lower than the national average, while the average monthly rent prices are 18.8% lower than average. The affordability of any location can also be influenced by median income levels. Rome has a median household income of $76,859, which is 5.5% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Rome?

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 Rome, the transportation index stands at 13.4% higher than the national average.

Housing: A sought-after location with high housing demand often leads to increased property values and rental rates, which can significantly inflate the overall cost of living. Conversely, areas with low housing demand, particularly in less desirable locales, tend to experience the opposite effect, causing prices to drop and contributing to a more affordable cost of living. In Rome, the housing index stands at 35.9% 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 Rome 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 Rome is 20% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Rome is 4% lower than the national average
  • Rome housing is 36% 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 Rome

See all the best places to live around Rome

Compare Rome, NY Cost of Living

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      Cost of living index
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      Transportation index
      Utilities index
      Lifestyle 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$98,721$8,227$2,303$2,962
      Renters$47,237$3,936$1,102$1,417
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Rome, 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 Rome have a median income of $98,721. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,303 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $47,237, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $1,102.

      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.
      Westmoreland, NY5111109.6%
      Whitesboro, NY3,707954.6%
      Chadwicks, NY1,163964.4%
      Utica, NY61,299964.2%
      Camden, NY2,618954.6%
      Rome, NY33,399964.1%

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      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Woodstock, GA33,39411313.0%
      Statesboro, GA33,360909.5%
      Laramie, WY33,4421033.0%
      St. Charles, IL33,45211817.6%
      Uniondale, NY33,34014040.1%
      Rome, NY33,399964.1%
      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.