New York is expensive — but upstate is a different world from NYC.
The number: $220K–$250K
- Gross monthly: $5,833
- NY state + city tax: Takes ~$400/mo bite
- Property tax: ~1.7% average (varies hugely)
Upstate vs Downstate
- Buffalo/Rochester/Syracuse: Median $200k-$250k — within reach!
- Albany: Median ~$320k — stretch
- NYC metro: Median $700k+ — out of reach on $70K
- Long Island: Median $600k+ — out of reach
Upstate advantage
On $70K, upstate New York is actually affordable. $250K buys a solid home in Buffalo or Rochester.