New York state is home to a diverse range of landscapes like the Hudson River Valley, Adirondack Mountains, and bustling cities like the Big Apple. This blend of natural beauty and big-city life creates a unique state filled with options for anyone considering living there. If New York sounds like the state for you, then you may also be curious about what cities fit into your budget. As of August, the median home sale price in New York is $576,400.
If that number is out of your budget, don’t worry. We’ve got options to help you find a home. Redfin has collected 11 of the most affordable places to live in New York. And the best part is that they all he a median home sale price under $576,400. From Syracuse to Rochester, find out which cities made the list.
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Get prequalified #1: RochesterMedian home price: $152,000 Average sale price per square foot: $100 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,489 Median household income: $37,395 Rochester, NY homes for sale Rochester, NY apartments for rent
With a median home sale price of $152,000, Rochester takes the number one spot on our list of affordable places to live in New York. You’ll find there are about 211,300 residents in the Rochester area so you’ll he a city-like feel without the big-city prices. If Rochester is the city for you, be sure to explore the Strong National Museum of Play and the George Eastman Museum, walk around the High Falls District, and check out the Rochester Public Market.
>> Read: Popular Rochester, NY, Neighborhoods to Live in
#2: UticaMedian home price: $160,000 Average sale price per square foot: $103 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,525 Median household income: $42,624 Nearest major metro: Syracuse (50 miles) Utica, NY homes for sale Utica, NY apartments for rent
Taking second place on our list of affordable cities to live in New York is Utica. About 65,300 people reside in Utica, and the median home sale price is $160,000 which is about $410K less than the median home sale price in New York. If you find yourself moving here, visit Roscoe Conkling Park where you’ll find trails, the Utica Zoo, and a golf course, check out museums and performing arts centers, and explore the Utica Marsh Wildlife Management Area.
#3: SyracuseMedian home price: $185,000 Average sale price per square foot: $97 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,259 Median household income: $38,893 Nearest major metro: Rochester (90 miles) Syracuse, NY homes for sale Syracuse, NY apartments for rent
Third on our list is Syracuse, with a median home sale price of $185,000. About 90 miles away from Rochester, the nearest major metro, Syracuse is home to roughly 148,600 residents. Living in Syracuse, you can discover the exhibits at museums like the Erie Canal Museum, Everson Museum of Art, and the Museum of Science and Technology. Make sure to also explore E.M. Mills Rose Garden located in Thornden Park or check out the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.
#4: Schenectady
Median home price: $199,950 Average sale price per square foot: $117 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,660 Median household income: $47,773 Nearest major metro: Albany (22 miles) Schenectady, NY homes for sale Schenectady, NY apartments for rent
A recognizable city is Schenectady, where the home prices are about $375K less than the state’s erage. Schenectady has about 67,000 residents and is a great city to consider living in this year. There are lots of activities to do in Schenectady. For example, you can visit green spaces like Vale Park and Central Park where you’ll find trails, tennis courts, and a swimming pool, explore the downtown area, and check out the Museum of Innovation & Science, among many other local forites.
#5: GreeceMedian home price: $207,000 Average sale price per square foot: $155 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,250 Median household income: $89,192 Nearest major metro: Rochester (9 miles) Greece, NY homes for sale Greece, NY apartments for rent
A little more expensive than Schenectady is the city of Greece. It’s a suburb of Rochester, so it’s close to the city’s activities and picturesque waterfront. There are several things you may want to check out in Greece like the local shops, restaurants, and parks, like Greece Canal Park.
#6: IrondequoitMedian home price: $221,500 Average sale price per square foot: $174 Median household income: $63,647 Nearest major metro: Rochester (5 miles) Irondequoit, NY homes for sale Irondequoit, NY apartments for rent
Claiming the sixth spot on our list of affordable places to live in New York is Irondequoit. With a population of nearly 51,000, Irondequoit is a great area to live in that’s not nearly as big as the major metropolitan cities in New York. Don’t miss out on spending the day at Irondequoit Bay Park West, check out the historic Seabreeze Amusement Park, and enjoy the views at Irondequoit Bay Outlet Pier and Beach once living here.
#7: Troy
Median home price: $230,000 Average sale price per square foot: $117 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,696 Median household income: $89,192 Nearest major metro: Albany (10 miles) Troy, NY homes for sale Troy, NY apartments for rent
Think about adding Troy to your list of cities to consider living in if you’re looking for an affordable place to move to in New York. With 51,400 people living in this affordable town, Troy is a great option to consider when looking to stay in New York without paying the premium for a home in a larger city. Living in Troy, you can explore the charming downtown Troy, check out Prospect Park, or see a show at Troy Sings Bank Music Hall.
#8: AlbanyMedian home price: $249,000 Average sale price per square foot: $155 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,600 Median household income: $48,512 Albany, NY homes for sale Albany, NY apartments for rent
Another great place to consider living in New York is Albany where the population is about 99,200. Popular things to do in Albany include visiting the historic New York State Capitol building and checking out Corning Preserve along the Hudson River. You can also explore nature at Albany Pine Bush Preserve, or stroll through downtown where you’ll find museums, shops, and restaurants.
#9: ClayMedian home price: $297,500 Average sale price per square foot: $179 Median household income: $50,966 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,895 Nearest major metro: Syracuse (14 miles) Clay, NY homes for sale Clay, NY apartments for rent
If you’ve lived in New York for a while, it’s likely you know of Clay. Close to 60,500 residents call this affordable city home. One of Syracuse’s suburbs, there is plenty to do in this town. For example, you can check out Oneida Shores County Park, located in Brewerton, or explore the Oneida River.
#10: Colonie
Median home price: $335,000 Average sale price per square foot: $237 Median household income: $92,238 Nearest major metro: Albany (6 miles) Colonie, NY homes for sale Colonie, NY apartments for rent
Claiming the 10th spot on our list of affordable places to live in New York is Colonie. This city has a population of 85,600 and you can stop by parks like Cook Park and check out the shops and restaurants in town. There’s always something to do while living in Colonie.
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Get prequalified #11: Mount VernonMedian home price: $550,000 Average sale price per square foot: $244 Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment: $1,900 Median household income: $59,291 Nearest major metro: New York (15 miles) Mount Vernon, NY homes for sale Mount Vernon, NY apartments for rent
The final city on our list of most affordable places in New York is Mount Vernon. With a median home sale price of $550,000 and a population of 73,900 there are plenty of reasons that might convince you to move to Mount Vernon. You’ll find lots of activities as well, such as spending the afternoon at Wilson’s Woods Park, exploring Scout Field, and grabbing a meal at one of the local restaurants. It’s just north of the Bronx borough, so you he easy access to all New York City has to offer.
Methodology: All cities must he over 50,000 residents per the US Census and he a median home sale price under the erage median home sale price in New York. Median home sale price and median sale price per square foot from the Redfin Data Center during April 2025. Average rental data from Rent.com April 2025. Population and median household income data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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Alison BentleyAlison is part of the Content Marketing team as a Marketing Program Manager. In her 5 years at Redfin, Alison has written a variety of articles ranging from home design tips to housing affordability, and specializes in first-time homebuyer and seller resources. A California-native, Alison currently resides in Seattle where you can find her catching a concert or exploring farmers’ markets. Her dream home is a cottage-style house with a chef’s kitchen and a cozy room to store and play vinyl records.
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