Cost of Living in NYC Calculator

Cost of Living in NYC Calculator

2024
2025
2026

Your Living Situation

$3,500

Utilities & Services

$150
$120

Transportation

$127

Food & Dining

$450
$300

Healthcare

$450
$100

Lifestyle & Entertainment

$200
$100
$150

Your NYC Cost of Living

Total Monthly Cost
$5,627
Total Annual Cost
$67,524

Cost Breakdown

Housing $3,500
Utilities & Services $270
Transportation $127
Food & Dining $750
Healthcare $550
Lifestyle & Entertainment $450

Savings Tip

Consider moving to an outer borough like Queens or Brooklyn to save significantly on housing costs while maintaining access to all NYC amenities.

How NYC Compares to Other Cities

New York City
100%
San Francisco
92%
London
85%
Tokyo
78%
Chicago
65%
Austin
58%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the cost of living calculation? +

Our cost of living in NYC calculator includes all major expense categories:

  • Housing (rent or mortgage)
  • Utilities (electricity, gas, water)
  • Internet and phone services
  • Transportation (public transit, car expenses)
  • Food (groceries and dining out)
  • Healthcare (insurance and out-of-pocket costs)
  • Entertainment and lifestyle expenses
How accurate is this calculator? +

Our calculator uses current data from reputable sources including:

  • U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
  • NYC Economic Development Corporation
  • Real estate market reports
  • Consumer price index data

While we strive for accuracy, individual circumstances may vary. We recommend using this as a planning tool rather than an exact prediction.

How does NYC compare to other major cities worldwide? +

New York City consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world:

  • Approximately 15-20% more expensive than London
  • About 25% more expensive than Tokyo
  • Nearly double the cost of living compared to Austin, TX
  • Roughly 35% more expensive than Chicago

However, NYC also offers higher average salaries and more economic opportunities than many comparable cities.

Can I save money living in NYC? +

Absolutely! While NYC is expensive, there are many strategies to reduce costs:

  • Consider outer boroughs like Queens or Brooklyn
  • Use public transportation instead of owning a car
  • Take advantage of free cultural activities
  • Shop at discount grocery stores
  • Find housing with roommates
  • Utilize NYC’s extensive park system for recreation
How often is the calculator updated? +

We update our cost of living in NYC calculator quarterly to reflect:

  • Current rental market trends
  • Changes in utility costs
  • Public transportation fare adjustments
  • Food price fluctuations
  • Healthcare cost changes

You can also adjust for future years using our year selector to project potential cost increases.