New York · 2026 Federal Benchmarks

Cost of Living in Suffolk County, NY

The median household in Suffolk County, NY earns $130,686 a year ($10,891/month) according to U.S. Census Bureau ACS data. Benchmark 2-bedroom rent is $2,747/month under HUD Fair Market Rents, requiring an annual income of at least $109,880 under the federal 30% housing rule, with overall consumer prices sitting 12.6% above the national baseline.

Key Economic Benchmarks

Median Household Income

$130,686$10,891 per month · U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year
2-Bedroom Rent$2,747HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent
Price Parity (RPP)112.6+12.6% vs national baseline
Electricity Rate29.5¢per kWh · EIA Residential NY
Census Population1,530,146Official resident count

Fair market rent & 30% rule in Suffolk County, NY

Official HUD Fair Market Rents evaluated against local household income benchmarks.

Affordable (< 30% of income)
HUD Fair Market Rent$2,747Monthly market rent
Share of gross income25.2%Recommended max: 30%
Annual income needed$109,880To meet the 30% standard
Max affordable rent$3,267At 30% of $130,686
0%30% (Affordability standard)100%
Compare against:

2026 HUD Fair Market Rent Schedule: Suffolk County, NY

Official FY2026 HUD Fair Market Rents for Nassau-Suffolk, NY HUD Metro FMR Area. Under the federal 30% housing affordability standard, housing costs are sustainable when they consume 30% or less of gross household income.

HUD FY2026 Fair Market Rent Schedule for Suffolk County, NY
Unit SizeMonthly RentAnnual Rent30% Rule Min. Income% of Median Income
Studio / Efficiency$1,992$23,904$79,68018.3%
1-Bedroom Apartment$2,379$28,548$95,16021.8%
2-Bedroom ApartmentBenchmark$2,747$32,964$109,88025.2%
3-Bedroom Home$3,563$42,756$142,52032.7%
4-Bedroom Home$3,768$45,216$150,72034.6%

See dedicated rental breakdown for Suffolk County, NY →

50/30/20 Living Budget in Suffolk County, NY

Based on the local median household income of $130,686/year ($10,891/month), here is how a balanced budget allocates expenses:

Needs (50%)$5,445/moRent ($2,747 2-BR), utilities (~$265/mo), groceries, transit
Wants (30%)$3,267/moDiscretionary spending: dining, leisure, recreation at 112.6 RPP price level
Savings & Debt (20%)$2,178/moEmergency fund, 401(k), IRA retirement, student loan and debt reduction

Take-Home Pay & Tax Explorer in New York

Explore net income after federal income tax, FICA, and New York state income tax based on the local median baseline.

$130,686
$50,000$265,000
Filing status:
Gross salary breakdown$130,686
Net 72%
Fed 15%
NY 5%
FICA 8%
Annual take-home$93,657After all taxes
Monthly deposit$7,805Estimated per month
Biweekly paycheck$3,602Every 2 weeks (26/yr)
Effective tax rate28.3%Total tax burden
Federal income tax$20,099 / yr
New York state income tax$6,933 / yr
FICA (Social Security & Medicare)$9,997 / yr

Compare earnings and living costs across New York with official federal datasets:

Frequently Asked Questions About Living in Suffolk County, NY

What is the median household income in Suffolk County, NY?

According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year survey, the median household income in Suffolk County, NY is $130,686 per year (approximately $10,891 per month).

What is the average rent in Suffolk County, NY?

According to HUD Fair Market Rent (FMR) benchmarks for 2026, standard monthly rents in Suffolk County, NY are $1,992 for a studio, $2,379 for 1 bedroom, $2,747 for 2 bedrooms, $3,563 for 3 bedrooms, and $3,768 for 4 bedrooms.

How does the cost of living in Suffolk County, NY compare to the national average?

Based on the Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) Regional Price Parity index, the general price level in Suffolk County, NY is 112.6 (12.6% higher than the U.S. national baseline of 100.0).

How much do you need to earn to comfortably afford rent in Suffolk County, NY?

Under the standard 30% housing affordability standard, renting a median 2-bedroom home ($2,747/month) in Suffolk County, NY requires a minimum gross household income of $109,880 per year ($9,157 per month).

What is a balanced 50/30/20 monthly budget in Suffolk County, NY?

For a typical household earning the median income of $130,686/year ($10,891/month) in Suffolk County, NY, a balanced 50/30/20 budget allocates $5,445/month to essential needs (rent, utilities, groceries), $3,267/month to discretionary spending, and $2,178/month to savings and debt repayment.

What are typical electricity and utility costs in Suffolk County, NY?

Residential electricity rates in New York average 29.5¢ per kWh according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). For an average home using 900 kWh per month, the estimated electric bill is approximately $265 per month.