Historical data
Pick an indicator to see its long-run evolution.
Cost of living index
2010–2024Composite cost of living index (U.S. average = 100).
Cost of Living Index
New York's cost of living is about 25% above the national average, the third-highest of any state after Hawaii and Massachusetts.
Regional Price Parity, all items
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities (SARPP line 1).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regional Price Parity, all items2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 107.9 | 100 |
Housing Costs
Housing is the single biggest driver of New York's high cost of living, at roughly 55% above the national level.
Housing price parity (rents)
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, housing (SARPP line 3).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Housing price parity (rents)2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 122.2 | 100 |
| Median rent | $1,650 | $1,406 |
Utility Costs
Electricity prices in New York are among the highest in the country, though total bills are moderated by lower cooling demand.
Utilities price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, utilities (SARPP line 4).
Electricity price per kWh (New York–Newark–Jersey City)
1979–2024BLS Average Price Data, annual average (APUS12A72610).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 134.4 | 100 |
| Avg. electricity bill | $135 | $137 |
| Electricity price | 22.6 ¢/kWh | 16.3 ¢/kWh |
Food Costs
Groceries and eating out cost about 8% more in New York than the U.S. average, with a bigger gap in New York City.
Goods price parity
2008–2024BEA Regional Price Parities, goods (SARPP line 2).
Food price index (New York–Newark–Jersey City)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U food, New York–Newark–Jersey City, annual average (CUURS12ASAF1).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Goods price parity2024, BEA Regional Price Parities | 107.3 | 100 |
Healthcare Costs
Healthcare costs run about 5% above the national average, offset by one of the lowest uninsured rates in the country.
Medical care price index (New York–Newark–Jersey City)
2006–2025BLS CPI-U medical care, New York–Newark–Jersey City, annual average (CUURS12ASAM).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Uninsured rate | 5.1% | 8.0% |
Transportation Costs
Transportation costs are 11% above average, but New York is the only state where a large share of households own no car.
Regular gasoline price
2001–2025U.S. EIA weekly retail price, all formulations, New York, annual average (EMM_EPMR_PTE_SNY_DPG).
| Indicator | New York | U.S. |
|---|---|---|
| Regular gasoline priceWeek of 2026-10-05, U.S. EIA weekly retail price | $4.38 per gallon | $4.35 per gallon |
| Households without a car | 29% | 8% |