Albany, NY vs Schenectady, NY: Cost of Living Comparison
Schenectady has the lower overall cost of living. (100 = US national average)
Category-by-Category Comparison
| Category | Albany | Schenectady | Cheaper |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall cost of living | 80 | 70 | Schenectady |
| Housing | 64 ($825) | 44 ($776) | Schenectady |
| Transportation | 109 ($3.50) | 111 ($3.50) | Albany |
| Food & groceries | 80 ($328) | 76 ($312) | Schenectady |
| Utilities | 82 ($115) | 72 ($79) | Schenectady |
| Healthcare | 82 ($83) | 72 ($57) | Schenectady |
| Median annual wage | 123 ($59,670) | 123 ($59,670) | Tie |
Index 100 = US national average. Lower = cheaper. For wage, higher = better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Albany, NY or Schenectady, NY cheaper to live in?
Schenectady, NY is cheaper overall by about 10 index points (Albany, NY: 80, Schenectady, NY: 70; 100 = US national average).
What salary do I need in Albany, NY vs Schenectady, NY?
A single adult needs roughly $28,000/year in Albany, NY and $24,500/year in Schenectady, NY to cover basic living costs.