F
48%
Overall NAT. AVG.
13%
Goods & Services NAT. AVG.
130%
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 Port Chester New York National
Cost of living148117100
Goods & Services113108100
Groceries105102100
Health care110103100
Housing230145100
Transportation102105100
Utilities131100100

An Overview of Cost of Living in Port Chester, NY

Understanding the cost of living in Port Chester can help future residents assess whether their current financial situation aligns with the expenses they will encounter. It enables them to plan for potential changes in their budget and lifestyle. The Port Chester cost of living index is 148, which is 48% higher than the national average. The cost of living index is calculated by taking into account multiple categories, which encompass both the cost of everyday expenditures and larger expenses as well.

If you prioritize affordability when seeking a new place to live, Port Chester may not be your ideal choice, as it ranks among the most expensive locations in the entire United States. A very small amount of areas exhibit a cost of living at least 20% higher than the national average, and unfortunately, Port Chester falls into this category, which may not align with your preferences for a budget-friendly living environment.

Housing costs are a very significant part of the Port Chester cost of living index and generally encompass a large percentage of take-home income. Unfortunately, in this area, the housing costs for both homes and rentals were 129.8% more than the average city. This includes things like home and rent prices, mortgage rates and insurance.

Recurring goods and services expenses like haircuts, toothpaste, gym memberships and movie nights are a big part of your spending and make up 33% of the cost of living index. In Port Chester, these items will cost you 12.9% more than what most folks pay, making it a bit more expensive to live here.

Is Port Chester Affordable?

Is Port Chester 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 Port Chester, the median home price is 148% higher than the national average and monthly rent prices are 87.4% higher than the typical rates. Additionally, the median income levels play a role in affordability, with Port Chester boasting a median household income of $81,586, 47.5% higher than the national average.

What Factors can Influence the Cost of Living in Port Chester?

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 Port Chester, the transportation index is 1.8% higher than the national average.

Taxes: Areas with higher taxes, including sales taxes and income taxes, can contribute to a higher cost of living. Paying more tax for everyday goods and services like clothing and food will result in higher costs, as will paying a higher rate of income tax. The general sales tax rate in Port Chester starts at 4% and the income tax rates start at 4%.

Healthcare: Healthcare expenses and insurance premiums can vary significantly depending on the specific city or state. Factors such as accessibility to healthcare facilities, out-of-pocket expenses for doctor's visits, dental care expenses, prescription costs and specialized medical care fees can all influence the overall cost of living. In Port Chester, healthcare costs are 9.9% higher than the national average.

Where is the Data From?

The Port Chester cost of living data displayed above is derived from the C2ER cost of living index to provide a useful and reasonably accurate measure of living cost differences in urban areas. Published on a quarterly basis, it compiles data from more than 300 independent researchers, encompassing over 60 goods and services. These items have been meticulously selected to represent various consumer expenditure categories, in 6 categories. Weightings assigned to cost differentials draw from government survey data tracking spending patterns among professional and executive households. While the C2ER index excludes data on sales or income tax rates, AreaVibes incorporates tax rates into the overall cost of living score for each region.

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Cost Of Living Quick Facts

  • The cost of living in Port Chester is 26% higher than the New York average
  • The cost of living in Port Chester is 48% higher than the national average
  • Port Chester housing is 130% higher 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 Port Chester

See all the best places to live around Port Chester

Compare Port Chester, 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$104,819$8,735$2,446$3,145
      Renters$62,217$5,185$1,452$1,867
      The percentage of monthly income spent on housing related expenses can help predict the affordability of housing in Port Chester, NY, as well as what the overall cost of living might be. Generally, a good rule to follow is that the debt-to-income (DTI) level you want to maintain is 28 percent or less of your income on your rent or mortgage payments and not more than 36 percent of income on all expenses and debts. In Port Chester, homeowners have a median income of $104,819. Using that number, a maximum of $2,446 per month should be allocated to housing expenses. For those who are renting instead of owning, the median income is $62,217, which means there is a maximum of $1,452 to be spent on the costs of renting a home or apartment.

      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 Port Chester National avg. Difference
      Haircut $32.33$24.2633.3%
      Beauty Salon $48.56$45.566.6%
      Toothpaste $3.66$3.701.1%
      Shampoo $1.50$1.2817.4%
      Movie $13.76$12.1313.4%
      Bowling $19.63$18.009.0%

      Groceries

      Item Port Chester National avg. Difference
      Ground Beef $6.34$5.848.6%
      Fried Chicken $1.61$1.572.4%
      Milk $4.73$4.671.2%
      Potatoes $5.03$4.931.9%
      Pizza $10.07$12.0916.7%
      Beer $10.62$10.412.0%

      Health Care

      Item Port Chester National avg. Difference
      Optometrist $140.10$125.6811.5%
      Doctor $143.23$135.785.5%
      Dentist $123.00$113.298.6%
      Ibuprofen $11.00$10.653.3%
      Lipitor $401.34$468.6014.4%

      Housing

      Item Port Chester National avg. Difference
      Home Price $458,000.00$184,700.00148.0%
      Avg. Mortgage Payment $1,857.27$2,346.6920.9%
      Apartment Rent $1,778.00$949.0087.4%

      Transportation

      Item Port Chester National avg. Difference
      Gasoline $3.33$3.463.7%
      Tire Balancing $57.68$59.923.7%

      Utilities

      Item Port Chester National avg. Difference
      All Electricity $281.67$193.9945.2%
      Phone $185.16$192.253.7%
      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.
      Cannondale, CT44011212.4%
      Greenville CDP (Greene County), NY6041066.1%
      Haverstraw, NY12,07612322.7%
      Hartsdale, NY3,20513332.7%
      Mount Vernon, NY67,62313737.4%
      Port Chester, NY29,21014847.6%

      Cities with similar population

      City Population Cost of Living Index National Avg.
      Niles, IL29,19811616.4%
      Russellville, AR29,2278217.6%
      Laplace, LA29,232954.8%
      Central, LA29,2351054.7%
      Raytown, MO29,1768812.1%
      Port Chester, NY29,21014847.6%
      Date & Last Updated: This data reflects 2023 and was released from C2ER in January, 2024; this is the most current data available.