The Most Affordable Cities in New York

The brilliance and uniqueness of New York are captured in sights like Niagara Falls and the Statue of Liberty, as well the cultural diversity found in the Big Apple. New York has a reputation for being expensive, but there are many cities that are far more affordable than NYC and they are some of the best places to live in New York. If you’re interested in moving to New York or building a house in New York, NewHomeSource has compiled the top 10 most affordable cities to help inform your choice.

1. Dunkirk

Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.67

Average Property Tax: $2,299

Median Household Income: $40,371

Dunkirk earns the top spot on our most affordable cities list. Lake Erie borders the city to the north, and on warm days, you can relax at Dunkirk Beach and check out the lighthouse that stands as a historical landmark. Enjoy a stroll along the Dunkirk Pier, dine at a restaurant with a waterside view, or learn about the past at Dunkirk Historical Museum.

2. Ogdensburg

Home Price to Income Ratio: 1.75

Average Property Tax: $1,643

Median Household Income: $38,822

Ogdensburg is a northern New York city along the St. Lawrence River, which acts as part of the US-Canadian border. The Oswegatchie River runs through the city and connects with the St. Lawrence River, and offers plenty of places for good eats, especially at Hosmer’s Marina. Other local points of interest include Frederic Remington Art Museum and the Dobisky Center.

3. Olean

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.01

Average Property Tax: $2,041

Median Household Income: $39,876

Located in southern New York, Olean is the largest city in Cattaraugus County. Built along the Allegheny River, you’ll find plenty of green spaces and interesting spots in Olean. Franchot Park serves as a popular location for folks to visit and make the most of its athletic fields, playground, and wading pool. There are also several places of worship, but perhaps none more eye-catching than Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, which features Neo-Gothic architecture dating back to the 1800s.

4. Gloversville

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.15

Average Property Tax: $2,651

Median Household Income: $35,317

Gloversville is an aptly named city, as it once served as the center of the nation’s glove-making industry. While still encompassing many glove manufacturers, Gloversville is also a thriving city in its own right, with all the suburban amenities you may need. You can learn more about the history of the area by visiting the Fulton County Museum.

5. Fulton

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.32

Average Property Tax: $3,280

Median Household Income: $34,856

Located along the Oswego River, Fulton is a small town of just over 1,000 residents. Just because it’s small doesn’t mean it doesn’t have great things to offer! There are plenty of enjoy hometown restaurants and shops to enjoy. Local green space is great in the summer, and during the winter, hosts annual events like the Snowman Building Contest.

6. Oswego

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.22

Average Property Tax: $2,931

Median Household Income: $39,466

Oswego is another city on our list that is located along Lake Ontario. If you’re looking for a city with plenty of activities and history, Oswego may be for you. Visit historic sites like Fort Ontario or the Richardson-Bates House Museum, or watch the daring car races at the Oswego Speedway. The Oswego River bisects the city and pours into Lake Erie, where you’ll find a variety of attractions such as a river walk and the H. Lee White Maritime Museum. 

7. Corning

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.31

Average Property Tax: $3,471

Median Household Income: $48,791

Corning is a southern city located along the Chemung River. Downtown Corning is a flurry of activity, the streets lined with restaurants, landmarks, theaters, and museums such as The Rockwell Museum. If you need a breather, stroll through Denison Park, which includes a disc golf course, playground, and pool. 

8. Batavia

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.37

Average Property Tax: $3,319

Median Household Income: $40,882

Batavia is the county seat of Genesee County and is located approximately 44 miles east of Buffalo. Local and national history are captured at the Holand Land Office Museum and the War of 1812 Bicentennial Peace Garden. Other notable attractions include a casino, an ice arena, and plenty of parks.

9. Oneida

Home Price to Income Ratio: 2.44

Average Property Tax: $2,821

Median Household Income: $46,958

Centrally located, Oneida has more than 11,000 residents. Spend your days hiking in DuRoss Conservancy or relaxing at Mount Hope Park; if you’re looking for something educational, check out Madison County Historical Society. Oneida Lake is located just northwest of the city, giving residents easy access to boating and fishing opportunities.

10. Oneonta

Home Price to Income Ratio: 4.03

Average Property Tax: $3,018

Median Household Income: $38,034

Oneonta is located approximately 80 miles west of Albany, New York’s capital. Home to Hartwick College and SUNY Oneonta, both campuses offer museums and educational centers that are open to the public. If you’re looking for a new favorite hiking spot, trek along the 4.3-mile loop at New Island Forest Trails.

Cities with the Best Home Price to Income Ratio

While the list above is sorted by the lowest overall cost of living index, the following cities have the lowest home price to income ratio, meaning you can get more home for your money.

• Dunkirk
• Ogdensburg
• Tonawanda