Top 10 Cheapest Places To Live In New York (2023)

Living in New York City can be expensive, but there are several smaller towns in upstate and western New York that offer a high quality of life at an affordable cost. If you’re willing to trade the hustle and bustle of the city for a more relaxed lifestyle, there are several towns across the state that can provide comfortable living for young adults and families. Let’s take a closer look at the top ten cheapest places to live in New York State.

Cheapest Places To Live In New York

Celeron

Nestled in Chautauqua County, Celeron is a serene village located in the western region of the state, bordering the city of Jamestown. Surprisingly, Celeron ranks as the most affordable city in New York State, with remarkably low housing costs. The village is located on the tranquil shores of Chautauqua Lake, around 40 minutes away from Lake Erie. Celeron exudes a small-town vibe, making it an ideal place for those who prefer a peaceful lifestyle. However, commuters may face some inconvenience, as the nearest cities, Buffalo and Cleveland, Ohio, are both over an hour away. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a cozy village with a low cost of living, Celeron boasts a close-knit community and a high quality of life.

Bridgeport

Bridgeport is a small community nestled between the towns of Sullivan and Cicero in Madison and Onondaga Counties, and is often thought of as a suburb of Syracuse. Approximately 1500 residents call Bridgeport home, taking advantage of some of the lowest rents in the state and a median home value that is well below the national average. Living in Bridgeport is quite affordable, making it one of the cheapest places to reside in New York. Despite the low cost of living, there are still numerous employment opportunities available, and the median household income is not too far below the statewide average. Bridgeport offers the perfect blend of urban conveniences and outdoor recreation, with easy access to Oneida Lake and the city of Syracuse. It’s no wonder that Bridgeport is ranked as the cheapest suburb in New York, making it an ideal place to raise a family.

Illion

Located in Herkimer County, Illion is a charming village just south of the Mohawk River and the Erie Canal. With a cost of living approximately 22% lower than the national average and median home values far below the country’s average, Illion is one of the most affordable cities in New York State. This peaceful village boasts a low crime rate, high homeownership rate, and numerous family-friendly activities in the surrounding area. Furthermore, it is situated in a central location, with Utica just 20 minutes away and Syracuse and Albany approximately an hour’s drive.

Weston Mills

Weston Mills, situated along the Allegheny River, is a tranquil hamlet in the towns of Portville and Olean in Cattaraugus County. Despite being near the Pennsylvania border, the town offers an idyllic small-town atmosphere with ample recreational opportunities. Housing prices in Weston Mills are relatively affordable, while the employment and job growth rates are high. However, it may not be suitable for professionals and commuters as Buffalo, the nearest city, is more than an hour and a half away by car. Nonetheless, Weston Mills is an ideal destination for families and retirees seeking a laid-back lifestyle and boasts excellent public schools.

Hornell

Situated on the western edge of Steuben County, about 55 miles south of Rochester, Hornell is a city renowned for its sprawling maple trees and picturesque landscape. The city is aptly nicknamed the Maple City, owing to its abundance of maple trees. The cost of living in Hornell is roughly 30% lower than the national average, and median home values are also much lower. However, owing to its slightly isolated location in the southwestern part of the state, job opportunities in Hornell are relatively limited compared to other towns on the list. Nonetheless, for those in the healthcare field, there are opportunities with the local St. James Mercy Hospital. Residents of Hornell enjoy the benefits of living in a tight-knit community with breathtaking scenery and excellent schools. They can rely on each other for support in this serene environment.

Port Byron

Port Byron, a charming village located just north of the Finger Lakes in Cayuga County, boasts a rich history as a vital port on the Erie Canal. In fact, Lock Complex Number 52 in Port Byron was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1998. Thanks to its convenient location right off I-90 and Highway 31, Port Byron residents enjoy easy access to Syracuse, Rochester, Oswego, and Lake Ontario. Additionally, the city has been recognized as one of the best places to raise a family in Cayuga County due to its low crime rate and high homeownership rate.

Ogdensburg

Located on the border of New York and Canada, Ogdensburg is a bustling port city in St. Lawrence County. The town sits at the mouth of the Oswegatchie River and the St. Lawrence River, offering stunning scenic views. Ogdensburg is famous for its direct access to Ottawa, the capital of Canada, via the Ogdensburg-Prescott Bridge. The cost of living in Ogdensburg is nearly 75% cheaper than the state average, making it a more affordable place to live. Although the city’s northern location might make it too cold for some, it does have a proud local heritage and is worth considering for its property value.

Falconer

Located in Chautauqua County, New York, Falconer is a peaceful village that boasts a family-friendly environment and an array of nearby attractions. Positioned within the town of Ellicott, the town is situated east of Jamestown and is a short drive from the Pennsylvania border. Chautauqua Lake and Lake Erie are both nearby, offering residents and visitors a variety of recreational activities. Falconer’s proximity to the city of Jamestown provides additional amenities and employment opportunities. With home values and rents considerably lower than the state and country, Falconer offers an affordable cost of living that is approximately 30% cheaper than the national average.

Attica

Located in western New York, Attica is a town in Wyoming County well-known for its maximum-security prison of the same name. The facility provides employment opportunities for many of the town’s residents, creating a stable economy with a low cost of living compared to the statewide average. While Attica is not as inexpensive as some other towns on this list, it is still affordable for residents. With Buffalo only 45 minutes away and Rochester just under an hour, Attica also offers its residents more economic opportunities. Moreover, the median household income in Attica is closer to the national average, allowing for a higher buying power among residents.

Mohawk

In Herkimer County, Mohawk is a beautiful town named after the adjacent Mohawk River, which flows through central New York. Situated midway between Syracuse and Albany along the NY State Throughway, Mohawk boasts of affordable property values and rent. The cost of living in Mohawk is about 16% lower than the national average and 44% cheaper than the state average. The town is famous for its breathtaking scenery, parks, ponds, and other outdoor attractions. Families, retirees, and young professionals will find Mohawk an ideal place to settle in due to its close proximity to other local cities.

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