13 Most Affordable Places to Live in New York

New York state is home to a diverse range of landscapes like the Hudson River Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and bustling cities like the Big Apple. This blend of natural beauty and big-city life creates a unique state filled with options for anyone considering living there. If New York sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. As of August, the median home sale price in New York is $527,900. 

If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 13 of the most affordable places to live in New York. And the best part is that they all have a median home sale price under $527,900. From Syracuse to Rochester, find out which cities made the list.

#1: Syracuse

Median home price: $160,000
Average sale price per square foot: $101 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $945 
Median household income: $38,893 
Nearest major metro: Rochester (90 miles)
Syracuse, NY homes for sale
Syracuse, NY apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $160,000, Syracuse takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in New York. About 90 miles away from Rochester, the nearest major metro, Syracuse is home to roughly 148,600 residents. Living in Syracuse, you can discover the exhibits at museums like the Erie Canal Museum, Everson Museum of Art, and the Museum of Science and Technology. Make sure to also explore E.M. Mills Rose Garden located in Thornden Park or check out the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.

#2: Utica

Median home price: $183,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $140 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $800 
Median household income: $42,624 
Nearest major metro: Syracuse (50 miles)
Utica, NY homes for sale
Utica, NY apartments for rent

Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in New York is Utica. About 65,300 people reside in Utica, and the median home sale price is $183,500 which is about $100K less than the median home sale price in New York. If you find yourself moving here, visit Roscoe Conkling Park where you’ll find trails, the Utica Zoo, and a golf course, check out museums and performing arts centers, and explore the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area. 

#3: Greece

Median home price: $187,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $134 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,007 
Median household income: $89,192 
Nearest major metro: Rochester (9 miles)
Greece, NY homes for sale
Greece, NY apartments for rent

A little more expensive than Utica is the city of Greece. There are several things you may want to check out in Greece like the local shops, restaurants, and parks.

#4: Troy

Median home price: $215,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $105 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,292 
Median household income: $89,192 
Nearest major metro: Albany (10 miles)
Troy, NY homes for sale
Troy, NY apartments for rent

Think about adding Troy to your list of cities to consider living in if you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in New York. With 51,400 people living in this affordable town, Troy is a great option to consider when looking to stay in New York without paying the premium for a home in a larger city. Living in Troy, you can explore the charming downtown Troy, check out Prospect Park, or see a show at Troy Savings Bank Music Hall.

#5: Schenectady

Median home price: $235,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $118 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,442
Median household income: $47,773 
Nearest major metro: Albany (22 miles)
Schenectady, NY homes for sale
Schenectady, NY apartments for rent

A recognizable city is Schenectady, where the home prices are about $100K less than the state’s average. Schenectady has about 67,000 residents and is a great city to consider living in this year. There are lots of activities to do in this city. For example, you can visit green spaces like Vale Park and Central Park where you’ll find trails, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, explore the downtown area, and check out the Museum of Innovation & Science, among many other local favorites.

#6: Irondequoit

Median home price: $235,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $161 
Median household income: $63,647 
Nearest major metro: Rochester (5 miles)
Irondequoit, NY homes for sale
Irondequoit, NY apartments for rent

Claiming the sixth spot on our list of affordable places to live in New York is Irondequoit. With a population of nearly 51,000, Irondequoit is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as the major metropolitan cities in New York. Don’t miss out on spending the day at Irondequoit Bay Park West, check out the historic Seabreeze Amusement Park, and enjoy the views at Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier and Beach once living here.

#7:  Clay

Median home price: $250,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $160 
Median household income: $50,966 
Nearest major metro: Syracuse (14 miles)
Clay, NY homes for sale
Clay, NY apartments for rent

If you’ve lived in New York for a while, it’s likely you know of Clay. Close to 60,500 residents call this affordable city home. One of Syracuse’s suburbs, there is plenty to do in this town.

#8: Albany

Median home price: $265,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $153 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,405 
Median household income: $48,512 
Albany, NY homes for sale
Albany, NY apartments for rent

Another great place to consider living in New York is Albany where the population is about 99,200. Popular things to do in Albany include visiting the historic New York State Capitol building and checking out Corning Preserve along the Hudson River. You can also explore nature at Albany Pine Bush Preserve, or stroll through downtown where you’ll find museums, shops, and restaurants.

#9: Colonie

Median home price: $300,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $221 
Median household income: $92,238 
Nearest major metro: Albany (6 miles
Colonie, NY homes for sale
Colonie, NY apartments for rent

Claiming the 9th spot on our list of affordable places to live in New York is Colonie. This city has a population of 85,600 and you can stop by parks like Cook Park and check out the shops and restaurants in town. There’s always something to do while living in Colonie.

#10: Rochester

Median home price: $480,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $290 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,322 
Median household income: $37,395 
Rochester, NY homes for sale
Rochester, NY apartments for rent

With a median home sale price of $480,000, Rochester is another affordable spot to consider moving to in New York. You’ll find there are about 211,300 residents in the Rochester area so you’ll have a city-like feel without the big-city prices. If Rochester is the city for you, be sure to explore the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum, walk around the High Falls District, and check out the Rochester Public Market.

#11: Yonkers

Median home price: $447,500 
Average sale price per square foot: $287 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,654 
Median household income: $69,825 
Nearest major metro: New York (15 miles)
Yonkers, NY homes for sale
Yonkers, NY apartments for rent

The 11th city on our list is Yonkers where you’ll find the median home sale price is $447,500. If you’re looking to visit the nearest major city, New York is just 15 miles away from Yonkers. There is plenty to do in Yonkers like checking out one of the green spaces like Tibbetts Brook Park, Untermyer Gardens Conservancy, and Sprain Ridge Park, visiting museums like Hudson River Museum, and exploring the Getty Square area.

#12: Mount Vernon

Median home price: $480,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $261 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,900 
Median household income: $59,291 
Nearest major metro: New York (15 miles)
Mount Vernon, NY homes for sale
Mount Vernon, NY apartments for rent

The city of Mount Vernon is another awesome affordable city to consider residing in. With a median home sale price of $480,000 and a population of 73,900 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Mount Vernon. You’ll find lots of activities as well, such as spending the afternoon at Wilson’s Woods Park, exploring Scout Field, and grabbing a meal at one of the local restaurants.

#13: White Plains

Median home price: $490,000 
Average sale price per square foot: $325 
Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $2,961 
Median household income: $96,715 
Nearest major metro: New York (25 miles)
White Plains, NY homes for sale
White Plains, NY apartments for rent

Taking the 13th and final spot on our list of most affordable places to live in New York is White Plains. There are about 59,600 residents in the White Plains area. There is a lot to do in the city whether you’re looking to be outdoors or inside. For example, you can golf at one of the courses in town, check out the restaurants in shops in downtown White Plains, and spend the afternoon at Silver Lake.

Methodology: All cities must have over 50,000 residents per the US Census and have a median home sale price under the average median home sale price in New York. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during August 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com August 2023. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.

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