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New York

Cost of living in Essex County, NY

Estimated monthly cost
$2,995/mo
for a single person, all categories combined

Population 37,077 · Last updated May 21, 2026

Cost breakdown

Single person, by category, per month.

Rent $848 28%
Federal tax $506 17%
Healthcare $480 16%
Groceries $404 13%
Transport $320 11%
Energy $208 7%
State tax $174 6%
Water $55 2%

Rent in Essex County

Fair Market Rents by bedroom count.

Studio
$828
per month
1 bedroom
$848
per month
2 bedroom
$1,085
per month
3 bedroom
$1,407
per month
4 bedroom
$1,602
per month

Source: HUD FMR FY2025

Income and earnings in Essex County

Annual earnings figures from the Census ACS.

Household income
$70,215
per year
Individual earnings
$41,009
per year
Per capita
$40,807
per year

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year.

Home values in Essex County

Average values reported by homeowners.

Average home value
$200,000
Annual property tax
$3,111

Source: ACS 2019-2023 5-Year

Energy costs in Essex County

Estimated monthly electricity and gas costs.

Electricity
$140
per month · 23.4¢/kWh
Natural gas
$68
per month
Annual total
$2,496
per year

Source: EIA

Healthcare in Essex County

Insurance premiums and coverage rates.

Individual premium
$480
per month
Family premium
$1,350
per month
Uninsured rate
4.7%

Source: ACS + national avg. Marketplace benchmark premiums are second-lowest Silver plan estimates and do not reflect employer plans, subsidies, or out-of-pocket costs. This is not healthcare advice.

Taxes in Essex County

State and local tax rates for New York.

State income tax
10.9%
Top marginal rate
State sales tax
4.0%
Combined sales tax
8.5%
incl. average local

Tax rates change. Consult a qualified tax professional for advice on your specific situation. This is not tax advice.

Transportation in Essex County

Commute patterns and estimated costs.

Average commute
22.8 min
Drive alone
73.0%
Public transit
0.3%
Work from home
11.0%

Source: ACS

Monthly cost estimates for Essex County

What it costs to live in Essex County each month.

Single person
$2,995
per month
  • Rent $848
  • Energy $208
  • Water $55
  • Groceries $404
  • Transport $320
  • Healthcare $480
  • Federal tax $506
  • State tax $174
Couple
$4,480
per month
  • Rent $1,085
  • Energy $250
  • Water $65
  • Groceries $669
  • Transport $420
  • Healthcare $864
  • Federal tax $819
  • State tax $308
Family
$7,007
per month
  • Rent $1,407
  • Energy $312
  • Water $75
  • Groceries $1,016
  • Transport $520
  • Healthcare $1,350
  • Childcare $1,200
  • Federal tax $819
  • State tax $308

Frequently asked questions about Essex County

Common questions about cost of living, rent and salary.

What is the average rent in Essex County?

In Essex County, NY, a one-bedroom apartment averages $848 per month, a two-bedroom averages $1,085 per month, a three-bedroom averages $1,407 per month, according to HUD Fair Market Rent data.

What is the average salary in Essex County?

In Essex County, NY, the average household income is $70,215 per year and individual earnings for full-time workers average $41,009 per year, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

What is the cost of living in Essex County?

The estimated cost of living in Essex County, NY is approximately $2,995 per month for a single person, $4,480 for a couple, $7,007 for a family. This includes rent, utilities, groceries, transportation, healthcare, and taxes.

What is the sales tax rate in Essex County?

The combined sales tax rate in Essex County, NY is 8.52%, which includes the New York state rate of 4.00% plus an average local rate of 4.52%.

Is Essex County an affordable place to live?

Based on the data, a single person in Essex County, NY would need approximately $2,995 per month to cover rent, utilities, food, transport, healthcare, and taxes. The average household income is $70,215 per year ($5,851 per month). Essex County has a moderate cost of living relative to local earnings.

How much does healthcare cost in Essex County?

The ACA marketplace benchmark premium in Essex County, NY is approximately $480 per month for an individual. Approximately 4.7% of residents are uninsured. Actual costs vary based on employer coverage, plan type, and individual circumstances.

What are house prices in Essex County?

The average home value in Essex County, NY is $200,000, with average annual property taxes of $3,111, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

How does Essex County compare to other areas?

You can compare Essex County, NY with any other US county using our comparison tool at /compare. Essex County is in New York.

Other counties in New York

Browse the full list of counties in New York, ranked by cost of living.

See all counties in New York

Compare Essex County with another area

Put two counties side by side to see how rent, taxes and everyday costs stack up.

About this data

All figures on this page come from official U.S. government sources, listed below.

  • HUD FMR FY2025
  • ACS 2019-2023 5-Year
  • EIA
  • ACS + national avg
  • ACS
  • USDA + BEA RPP
Methodology All data sources