Cost of Living in Staten Island, NY: A Detailed Guide

Did you know the median home price in Staten Island is now $700,000 as of 2025? This might seem high, but staten island can be much more affordable than other NYC boroughs. If you're thinking of moving here, it's key to know about the different costs of living in Staten Island.

Staten Island is a mix of suburban life and city convenience. It attracts people who want a good balance of cost and access to the city. Renting a one-bedroom in Manhattan costs about $5,000 monthly, while Brooklyn is around $3,500. Staten Island offers more affordable housing, making it a great choice for saving money.

The borough's real estate market has grown a lot lately. This is thanks to projects like the Staten Island Expressway and the NY Wheel, plus $1 billion in North Shore investments. Home prices have gone up, but buying can still be cheaper than renting, with a break-even point of 4.58 years.

Key Takeaways:

• Staten Island offers more affordable housing options compared to Manhattan and Brooklyn
• The median home price in Staten Island is $700,000 as of 2025
• Staten Island's real estate market is growing due to new development projects and investments
• Buying a home in Staten Island can be more cost-effective than renting after 4.58 years
• Utility costs in Staten Island are lower than the New York City average

Housing Costs in Staten Island

Housing costs are a big part of living in Staten Island. Renting or buying a home here is pricier than the national average. Yet, Staten Island is still cheaper than other parts of New York City, where costs are 77% higher than the entire country.

Rental Prices

Finding an affordable apartment in Staten Island can be tough. As of October 2023, 18% of renters in the New York City area were behind on payments, compared to 12% nationally. A one-bedroom apartment costs about $1,536 a month, and a two-bedroom is around $2,058. Many expensive studio units are vacant, showing a high vacancy rate.

Home Prices

The cost of homes for sale in Staten Island varies by area. Prices range from $549,900 in Mariners Harbor to $910,600 in Tottenville. Homes usually sell in 81 days, with 63.1% selling for less than the asking price. The number of building permits for large buildings has dropped by 91% in 2023, which could affect housing supply.

Property Taxes

Property taxes in Staten Island are higher than the national average. Taxes account for over 27% of homeowner costs, compared to 22.6% nationally. This adds to the overall staten island cost of living, making it 27.6% higher than the U.S. average.

In the New York City area, shelter costs are the biggest part of housing expenses at 72%. Utilities, operations, and furnishings make up the rest. Knowing these costs helps with budgeting when thinking about moving to Staten Island.

Utility Costs in Staten Island

Utility costs are a big part of living expenses in Staten Island. On average, people spend about $447 a month on utilities. This is 6.5% more than last year and 33.8% higher than the national average. These costs include electricity, gas, water, sewage, internet, and cable.

Electricity and gas costs in Staten Island usually range from $90 to $300 a month. The average is $178.19. These costs cover heating, cooling, and powering your home appliances. National Grid and Con Ed are the main providers in the area.

Water and Sewage

Water and sewage costs in Staten Island are managed by the NYC Water Board. The average monthly cost is between $50 and $100. These costs add to the higher utility expenses in Staten Island compared to the national average.

Internet and Cable

Internet and cable packages in Staten Island start at about $50 a month. Higher-tier plans can cost up to $100 or more. The average cost for internet with speeds of 60 Mbps or higher and unlimited data is $68.20. Also, the average cost for a mobile phone plan with calls and 10GB+ data is $68.85, ranging from $25 to $130.

Utility costs in Staten Island are a big part of household expenses. They account for about 42% of the average household income. When looking at the cost of groceries in Staten Island and other expenses, remember to include these utility costs. This will give you a full picture of the cost of living in the area.

Transportation Costs

Transportation costs are a big part of living in Staten Island. As part of New York City, Staten Island has many ways to get around. Each option has its own price tag.

Public Transportation

Most people in Staten Island use public transit. The MTA buses and Staten Island Railway are the main ways to travel. A single ride costs $2.75, and a 30-day pass is $127.

Low-income families in NYC spend more on transportation. Almost 48 percent use public transit, more than richer families. The Fair Fares NYC program helps low-income people save on MTA rides. Over 348,000 New Yorkers are enrolled.

Vehicle Ownership

Driving is popular in Staten Island. In 2023, 82.6 percent of homes had a car. But, owning a car means extra costs like fuel, insurance, and parking. Gas prices are around $3 per gallon, and insurance rates vary.

Parking can be hard to find, with garage rates from $200 to $500 a month.

Transport costs in the NYC area went up by 56 percent from 2012-2013 to 2022-2023. In 2022-2023, costs rose by nearly 25 percent due to inflation and more people driving. Yet, these costs stayed at 10 percent of income, the same as in 2012-2013.

When planning your budget for Staten Island, think about how you get around. Public transit is cheaper, but driving might be more convenient for some.

Food and Grocery Expenses

Managing your budget in Staten Island means keeping an eye on food costs. Grocery prices here are a bit higher than the national average. But, with smart planning, you can enjoy a variety of meals without overspending.

Grocery Prices

A gallon of regular milk in Staten Island costs about $5.80. Prices can range from $3.79 to $8. A loaf of fresh white bread (1 lb) is around $4.37, and a dozen regular eggs are about $5.06.

Apples average $3.25 per pound, bananas $1.04, and tomatoes $2.70. For protein, chicken fillets are about $6.82 per pound, and beef round or equivalent back leg red meat is $8.72. Local cheese is $7.73 per pound, and white rice is $3.42.

Dining Out

Staten Island has many dining options for all budgets. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant is about $30, with prices from $15 to $60. A three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant is around $130, with prices from $95 to $250.

Fast food, like a McMeal at McDonald's, is about $12 on average. A regular cappuccino is $5.95, and a 12 oz small bottle of Coke/Pepsi is $3.22. Domestic beer (one pint draught) is $9, and an imported beer (12 oz small bottle) is $11.

By watching your food expenses, including meats, dairy, produce, and more, you can manage your Staten Island budget well.

Healthcare Costs

Healthcare costs are a big part of living expenses in Staten Island. The price of health insurance and medical services can change a lot. This depends on things like your job's insurance or if you need special care.

Health Insurance

Monthly health insurance premiums in Staten Island can be $100 to $500 for those with job coverage. But, individual plans can cost $200 to over $1,000 a month. This depends on your age, health, and how much coverage you need. Also, half of New Yorkers struggle to make ends meet, as shown in the 2023 True Cost of Living Report.

Medical Services

Medical services in Staten Island can quickly add up, mainly for those without insurance. A simple doctor's visit can cost $150 without insurance, but only $25 with it. Dental care is another big expense, with basic insurance at about $30 monthly. Without insurance, a dental cleaning can be over $200, and fillings can cost between $350 to $550.

Hospitals in Staten Island must post their charges for inpatient and outpatient visits. NYC Health + Hospitals has a cost estimator tool for patients. This tool gives "Good Faith Estimates" for common services, but these may not cover all unexpected costs. More than 50% of working families in New York City find it hard to afford basic needs like healthcare, a recent study found.

If the final bill is more than $400 from the Good Faith Estimate, you can start a dispute. A $25 fee is needed for this process. The agency will decide if the Good Faith Estimate is correct or if the bill is higher. You must start this process within 120 days of the original bill.

Education Expenses

Living on Staten Island means thinking about education costs. Public schools here are free and top-notch.

Public Schooling

Staten Island has some of New York City's best public schools. They offer great education for free. The schools have many programs and activities for a well-rounded education.

Private Schooling

Staten Island also has private schools. Tuition can be from $5,000 to over $40,000 a year. It's important to consider the costs and benefits of public versus private schools for your family.

Higher Education

Staten Island has several colleges, each with different prices. The College of Staten Island (CSI) is part of CUNY and has affordable tuition. On-campus students pay $26,717, while off-campus students pay $24,315.

Private colleges like Wagner College and St. John's University cost more. For example, New York Institute of Technology's tuition is from $44,060 to $47,060 for undergrads. Total expenses for undergrads can be from $52,114 to $83,628.

Remember, Staten Island's Cost of Living is 27.6% higher than the national average. This affects education costs, mainly for private schools and college.

Think about your education needs and budget when living on Staten Island. While education costs are high, there are many quality options at different prices.

Entertainment and Leisure

Staten Island has many affordable ways to have fun. It has over 170 parks, including the 2,800-acre Greenbelt network. This offers great spots for hiking, bird-watching, and walks. The beaches are also perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports in summer.

Fitness and Recreation

Staying fit in Staten Island is easy on the wallet. Gym memberships cost between $15 and $275 a month. Yoga or pilates lessons are about $26.85 each. This is cheaper than in other NYC areas. The parks and waterfront areas are great for jogging, cycling, and sports without spending a dime.

Cultural Activities

Staten Island is rich in history, with attractions like the Conference House and Historic Richmond Town. The Staten Island Museum and Snug Harbor Cultural Center & Botanical Garden are also must-visits. The St. George Theatre hosts various performances. While it may have fewer venues than Manhattan or Brooklyn, Staten Island's cultural scene is diverse and affordable. For example, a Staten Island Museum ticket is just $8, while a MoMA ticket costs $25.

Staten Island is a great choice for those looking for affordable fun. It offers a lot of entertainment and leisure options. This makes it an attractive place for those wanting a good balance of cost and quality of life.

Miscellaneous Expenses

When planning your budget for Staten Island, remember the small but significant expenses. These include personal care, clothing, and accessories. They might seem minor but can affect your overall budget and cost of living.

Personal Care

Personal care costs in Staten Island are similar to New York City's. A haircut can cost between $20 and $50. Spa treatments like massages and facials can be over $100. Yet, with NYC's average salary, many can afford these expenses.

Clothing and Accessories

Clothing prices in Staten Island vary. You can find deals at chain stores or splurge at high-end boutiques. For example, a pair of Levis jeans is about $68.92. Remember, NYC's cost of living is higher than the state and US averages, affecting your clothing budget.

Here's a table to help you understand these expenses in your budget:

Include these expenses in your Staten Island budget for a clearer picture of your cost of living. While they might seem small, they can quickly add up. Planning and adjusting your budget is key to a comfortable life in Staten Island.

Looking to buy or sell Staten Island real estate? Check out some of our latest listings in desirable neighborhoods: 841 Rockland Ave, 197 Johnson Ave, 63 Forest Avenue, and 1044 Edgegrove Ave. Visit Robert DeFalco Realty to explore more real estate staten island opportunities.

Conclusion

Living in Staten Island offers a unique blend of affordability and quality of life.

From relatively lower housing costs compared to other NYC boroughs to competitive prices for everyday essentials, residents benefit from a suburban lifestyle with urban conveniences. The area's rich cultural diversity, ample green spaces, and strong sense of community further enhance its appeal.

While certain expenses, like transportation and utilities, may be on par with other parts of the city, the overall balance of cost and lifestyle makes Staten Island a compelling choice for individuals and families alike.

For those considering a move, understanding these factors is key to making informed decisions about their next home in this vibrant part of New York City.

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