F
27%
Overall NAT. AVG.
8%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
66%
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 Suffern New York National
Cost of living127121100
Groceries108106100
Health care111110100
Housing166144100
Transportation110113100
Utilities112112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment107111100
Household Items108106100
Education & Childcare120118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Suffern, NY

Knowing the cost of living in Suffern allows individuals to create a realistic budget. This helps them understand how their income will cover expenses and whether they need to make financial adjustments. The cost of living in any region can fluctuate due to various factors. To assess the cost of living consistently across different areas, a national average of 100 serves as the basis for the cost of living index. The cost of living in Suffern stands at 127, marking it 27% higher than the national average.

If you value affordability in your search for a new place to live, Suffern may not be the most suitable option, as it stands out as one of the priciest areas in the entire United States. Only a small fraction of regions have a cost of living that is more than 20% higher than the national average, and regrettably, Suffern falls into this category, which may not align with your desire for an affordable place to call home.

Housing costs significantly influence the Suffern cost of living index, typically accounting for a substantial portion of one's post-tax income. Regrettably, within this particular region, expenses related to both residential ownership and renting exceeded those observed in an average city by 66%. This entails elements such as housing and rental prices, mortgage interest rates and insurance costs.

Is Suffern Affordable?

Is Suffern 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 Suffern, the median home price is 68.2% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 60.8% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Suffern boasting a median household income of $130,036, 59.9% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Suffern?

Urbanization: Larger, urban areas boasting abundant amenities and robust employment prospects often exhibit a heightened cost of living, driven by the increased demand for services and residential relocation. Consequently, this leads to elevated home prices and higher rental rates. In contrast, sparsely populated rural locales or regions marked by diminished demand typically offer a more limited range of amenities and experience slower job market expansion. This translates into a more affordable cost of living.

Transportation: In areas where public transportation is scarce or unavailable, residents often find themselves compelled to own and upkeep vehicles, thereby increasing the overall cost of living. Monthly expenses encompass fuel, insurance, routine maintenance and potentially lease or financing payments. In Suffern, the transportation index is 9.6% higher than the national average.

Groceries: The costs associated with groceries have witnessed substantial increases over the past 2-3 years. In select markets, food prices have escalated by more than 20% during this timeframe, whereas others have seen more restrained upticks. The variances in food expenses can exert a considerable influence on the overall cost of living in a given locale. In Suffern, the groceries index is 7.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living estimates displayed for Suffern are modeled using a U.S. average baseline of 100, helping provide a useful comparison of local living expenses. Housing calculations include U.S. Census home price and rental data, while all other values are AI-assisted estimates based on regional cost patterns, climate, transportation, and everyday spending expectations. These values are intended for directional comparisons across cities.

Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Suffern is 5% higher than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Suffern is 27% higher than the national average
  • Suffern housing is 66% higher 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 Suffern

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Compare Suffern, 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$147,807$12,317$3,449$4,435
      Renters$87,201$7,267$2,035$2,616
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Suffern, 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 Suffern have a median income of $147,807. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $3,449 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $87,201, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $2,035.

      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.
      Greenwood Lake, NY3,16811817.7%
      Paterson, NJ149,11812221.5%
      Mount Ivy, NY7,67512020.1%
      Harriman, NY3,11212120.7%
      Haverstraw, NY12,43112121.4%
      Suffern, NY11,30812727.1%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Maynard, MA11,30813332.8%
      Mapleton, ON11,305n/a 
      New Baltimore, VA11,30314948.7%
      Ocean City, NJ11,31415656.3%
      Ontario, OR11,298909.9%
      Suffern, NY11,30812727.1%
      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.