A+
4%
Overall NAT. AVG.
6%
Groceries NAT. AVG.
38%
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 Utica New York National
Cost of living96121100
Groceries106106100
Health care109110100
Housing62144100
Transportation115113100
Utilities110112100
Lifestyle & Entertainment113111100
Household Items104106100
Education & Childcare119118100
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An Overview of Cost of Living in Utica, NY

The cost of living in Utica 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 Utica is 96, which is 4% lower 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 Utica 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 Utica can anticipate that their daily expenses will remain reasonably in line with those of an average city, contributing to a manageable cost of living.

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

Nobody knows their city better than the people who actually live there. So, we asked 7 local residents how they would rate the cost of living in Utica and this is how they responded. 71% of people said that the cost of living was affordable, with prices decreasing, while 29% of people said that the cost of living was very expensive and prices continue to rise.

Is Utica Affordable?

Is Utica 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 Utica, the median home price is 44.6% lower than the national average and monthly rent prices are 22.9% lower than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Utica boasting a median household income of $63,273, 22.2% lower than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Utica?

Groceries: Grocery costs have continued to increase significantly over the last 2-3 years. In some markets the cost of food has gone up by more than 20% in that period. While other markets have managed to see only a moderate uptick. These food costs can have a major impact on the cost of living in any area. In Utica, the groceries index is 5.8% higher than the national average.

Utilities: Similar to the prices of any goods or services, utility expenses can fluctuate widely, contingent on variables such as climate, available energy sources, geographical location and state regulations. Costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can differ in magnitude, depending on the specific city or state. In Utica, the utilities index registers at 10% 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 Utica, the housing index stands at 38% lower than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living data for Utica 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 Utica is 21% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Utica is 4% lower than the national average
  • Utica housing is 38% 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 Utica

See all the best places to live around Utica

Compare Utica, NY Cost of Living

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      Utilities 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$89,887$7,491$2,097$2,697
      Renters$37,930$3,161$885$1,138
      To approximate the cost of living and the housing affordability in Utica, 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 Utica have a median income of $89,887. Therefore, the amount that a consumer should spend on housing costs should be no more than $2,097 per month to avoid calamity and poverty. The renters in the city have an income of about $37,930, which would make their monthly maximum allowable rental costs $885.

      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%
      Mohawk, NY2,642937.5%
      Ilion, NY8,039937.4%
      Middleville, NY784946.2%
      Frankfort, NY2,591945.9%
      Utica, NY61,299964.2%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Gardena, CA61,31015453.7%
      Ocala, FL61,352981.6%
      Cupertino, CA61,240329228.9%
      Lancaster, PA61,208937.3%
      Bartlett, TN61,3911043.8%
      Utica, NY61,299964.2%
      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.