Merrick, NY

Very High · 213

New York · Population 21,816 · Updated March 2026

$2,756
Median Rent / Month
$179,415
Median Income
$715,700
Median Home Value
$3,145
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Merrick

18.4%
Rent-to-Income Ratio
Affordable
Rent takes less than 25% of median income — considered affordable by HUD standards.

Tax Burden in New York

State-level tax rates that affect your costs

10.9%
Income Tax (Top Rate)
4.0%
Sales Tax
1.62%
Property Tax Rate

Estimated Annual Costs

$33,072
Annual Rent
$19,556
State Income Tax
$11,594
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Merrick has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 213 (where 100 equals the national median), Merrick residents can expect to pay median rent of $2,756/month while earning a median household income of $179,415/year.

The median home value in Merrick, NY is $715,700, with typical monthly owner costs around $3,145 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.4% means housing is relatively affordable here — well below the 30% threshold that HUD considers cost-burdened.

New York's top income tax rate of 10.9% is among the highest in the nation, adding to the overall cost burden. Combined with a 4.0% sales tax rate and 1.62% effective property tax rate, the overall tax environment is a factor in the total cost of living in Merrick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Merrick

What is the cost of living in Merrick, NY?
The cost of living index in Merrick, NY is 213 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $2,756, median household income is $179,415/year, and the median home value is $715,700.
Is Merrick, NY affordable?
No, Merrick is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 213. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.4%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Merrick, NY?
The median gross rent in Merrick, NY is $2,756 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $33,072.
What is the median household income in Merrick?
The median household income in Merrick, NY is $179,415 per year. This compares to the national median of approximately $80,000.
What are the taxes like in New York?
New York has a top income tax rate of 10.9%, a sales tax of 4.0%, and an effective property tax rate of 1.62%.