B+
2%
Overall NAT. AVG.
5%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
12%
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 Troy New York National
Cost of living102121100
Groceries105106100
Health care108110100
Housing88144100
Transportation111113100
Utilities114112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment108111100
Household Items103106100
Education & Childcare112118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Troy, NY

The cost of living in Troy 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 Troy is 102, which is 2% higher than the national average. Knowledge of the cost of living can help individuals make informed decisions about retirement savings, investments, and financial goals.

The cost of living in Troy closely mirrors the national average in comparison to other cities nationwide. Essential items such as groceries, houshold expenses, health care and utilities are priced at a level consistent with similar urban areas. This means that residents of Troy can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

Is Troy Affordable?

Is Troy affordable? It's a key consideration when pondering a move, as affordability often shapes your choices. The cost of living index (we discussed it earlier), coupled with housing costs and income levels, serves as the cornerstone for determining a location's affordability. Take Troy, for instance, where the median home price falls 18.2% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 2.4% higher than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Troy flaunting a median household income of $73,958, 9.1% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Troy?

Urbanization: Urban areas with extensive amenities and job opportunities tend to have a higher cost of living due to increased demand for services and relocation, resulting in higher home prices and higher rents. Less densely populated rural areas, or areas with less demand tend to have fewer amenities and slower job growth, which results in a lower cost of living.

Transportation: In situations where public transportation is limited or nonexistent, local residents may be required to own and maintain their own vehicles, contributing to an elevated cost of living. Monthly expenditures may encompass fuel costs, insurance premiums, routine vehicle upkeep and possibly lease or financing payments. In Troy, the transportation index is 10.6% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Cities that enforce higher taxes, covering both sales taxes and income taxes, can be a factor contributing to a higher cost of living. Paying more in taxes for everyday essentials like clothing and food inevitably leads to higher expenses. A higher income tax rate can further contribute to an overall elevated cost of living. In Troy, the baseline sales tax rate begins at 4%, and income tax rates start at 4%.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Troy 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 Troy is 15% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Troy is 2% higher than the national average
  • Troy housing is 12% 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 Troy

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Compare Troy, 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$117,544$9,795$2,743$3,527
      Renters$52,957$4,413$1,236$1,589
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Troy, 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 Troy, the median monthly income is $117,544 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $2,743 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $52,957, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $1,236 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.
      Schenectady, NY66,726990.7%
      Green Island, NY2,7071000.3%
      Scotia, NY7,8981033.1%
      Waterford, NY2,2221021.8%
      Mechanicville, NY5,1891021.8%
      Troy, NY50,4361022.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Bedford, TX50,4601065.9%
      Downers Grove, IL50,39112525.1%
      Antelope, CA50,31113635.9%
      Azusa, CA50,60414545.1%
      Cuyahoga Falls, OH50,241918.7%
      Troy, NY50,4361022.2%
      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.