A+
10%
Overall NAT. AVG.
1%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
39%
Housing NAT. AVG.
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Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.
The cost of living index is based on a national average of 100. For example, if the cost of living is 90, then it is 10% lower than average. If the cost of living is 110, then it is 10% higher than average. The breakdown for each index is as follows: goods & services (33%), groceries (13%), health care (5%), housing (30%), transportation (9%) and utilities (10%). If the cost of living data was unavailable for this city, estimates based upon nearby cities were used.
Index Oswego New York National
Cost of living90117100
Goods & Services101108100
Groceries99102100
Health care103103100
Housing61145100
Transportation108105100
Utilities105100100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Oswego, NY

Knowing the cost of living in Oswego 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 Oswego stands at 90, marking it 10% lower than the national average.

The cost of living in Oswego aligns closely with the national average when compared to other cities across the nation. Everyday essentials such as groceries, goods and services, health care and utility bills are priced at a level consistent with the average in similar urban areas. Oswego residents can anticipate that their daily expenses won't be significantly higher than those in an average city, ensuring that the cost of living remains manageable.

Is Oswego Affordable?

Is Oswego 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 Oswego, for instance, where the median home price falls 51.5% lower than the national average, and monthly rent rates are 9.4% lower than usual. Additionally, median income levels contribute to the equation, with Oswego flaunting a median household income of $45,216, 18.3% lower than the national norm.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Oswego?

Urbanization: Larger, urban hubs brimming with ample amenities and robust employment opportunities often showcase a heightened cost of living. This surge is primarily attributed to the amplified demand for services and increased residential migration, culminating in elevated home prices and elevated rental rates. Conversely, less densely populated rural locales or regions characterized by reduced demand tend to offer a more limited array of amenities and undergo slower job market growth, ultimately yielding a more affordable cost of living.

Housing: Elevated demand for housing within coveted locales has the propensity to escalate both property values and rental rates, thereby serving as a primary catalyst for an augmented cost of living. Conversely, areas witnessing diminished housing demand, particularly within less desirable environs, often experience an inversely proportional effect, leading to price reductions and subsequently contributing to a more modest cost of living. In Oswego, the housing index is 38.9% lower than the national average.

Utilities: Much like any other costs, utility expenses can exhibit considerable variations, influenced by factors such as climate, available energy sources, geographic location and state regulations. The costs associated with electricity, water, heating, and waste disposal can vary significantly depending on the city or state in question. In Oswego, the utilities index stands at 4.6% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The cost of living in Oswego, presented above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index, offering a practical method for assessing living cost disparities in urban areas. Published quarterly, this index compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services in 6 categories. The weightings assigned to cost variances are informed by government survey data tracking the expenditure patterns of professional and executive households. It should be noted that the C2ER index does not include data on sales or income tax rates, however, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each area.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Oswego is 23% lower than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Oswego is 10% lower than the national average
  • Oswego housing is 39% 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 Oswego

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Compare Oswego, NY Cost of Living

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      Salary Calculator

      This is how much you would need to earn in
      Price difference in compared to
      Cost of living index
      Goods & Services index
      Groceries index
      Health care index
      Housing index
      Transportation index
      Utilities index

      Median Income & Debt-To-Income Ratio

      Median Income Per Year Per Month Max Budget (28% DTI) Max Budget (36% DTI)
      Owners$70,570$5,881$1,647$2,117
      Renters$27,121$2,260$633$814
      A good indicator of the general affordability of housing in Oswego, 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 Oswego, the median monthly income is $70,570 for those who own their own homes. Under the standard rule, that income level would allow for $1,647 to be budgeted for housing expenses each month, at the most. Renters, on the other hand, earn about $27,121, per the median income in the area. That would allow for renters to spend up to $633 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%

      Goods & Services

      Item Oswego National avg. Difference
      Haircut $20.03$24.2617.4%
      Beauty Salon $42.39$45.567.0%
      Toothpaste $3.62$3.702.2%
      Shampoo $1.33$1.284.1%
      Movie $13.27$12.139.4%
      Bowling $16.74$18.007.0%

      Groceries

      Item Oswego National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $5.93$5.841.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.39$1.5711.4%
      Milk $4.71$4.670.8%
      Potatoes $5.13$4.933.9%
      Pizza $14.83$12.0922.7%
      Beer $10.15$10.412.5%

      Health Care

      Item Oswego National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $160.58$125.6827.8%
      Doctor $115.23$135.7815.1%
      Dentist $110.48$113.292.5%
      Ibuprofen $10.49$10.651.5%
      Lipitor $530.04$468.6013.1%

      Housing

      Item Oswego National avg. Difference
      Home Price $89,600.00$184,700.0051.5%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $2,384.28$2,346.691.6%
      Apartment Rent $860.00$949.009.4%

      Transportation

      Item Oswego National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.59$3.463.8%
      Tire Balancing $69.82$59.9216.5%

      Utilities

      Item Oswego National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $166.89$193.9914.0%
      Phone $194.41$192.251.1%
      Although the cost of living data is updated regularly, this cost of living information is to be used as estimates only as prices can change on an ongoing basis.

      Nearby cities with low cost of living

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      SUNY Oswego, NY3,6561022.4%
      Fulton, NY11,2098811.9%
      Hannibal, NY6938910.8%
      Red Creek, NY705909.9%
      Fair Haven, NY995918.6%
      Oswego, NY17,3719010.0%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      L'Ancienne-Lorette, QC17,373n/a 
      Hinsdale, IL17,36619090.3%
      Iselin, NJ17,35612928.8%
      Ada, OK17,3998416.4%
      Nederland, TX17,334963.9%
      Oswego, NY17,3719010.0%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.