Valley Stream, NY

Very High · 172

New York · Population 40,278 · Updated March 2026

$1,994
Median Rent / Month
$127,426
Median Income
$605,000
Median Home Value
$2,770
Owner Costs / Month

Affordability

How far your income goes in Valley Stream

18.8%
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

$23,928
Annual Rent
$13,889
State Income Tax
$9,801
Property Tax (est.)

Cost of Living Overview

Valley Stream has a significantly higher cost of living than most US cities, driven largely by premium housing costs. With a cost index of 172 (where 100 equals the national median), Valley Stream residents can expect to pay median rent of $1,994/month while earning a median household income of $127,426/year.

The median home value in Valley Stream, NY is $605,000, with typical monthly owner costs around $2,770 including mortgage, insurance, and taxes. The median rent-to-income ratio of 18.8% 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 Valley Stream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about living costs in Valley Stream

What is the cost of living in Valley Stream, NY?
The cost of living index in Valley Stream, NY is 172 (US average = 100). Median monthly rent is $1,994, median household income is $127,426/year, and the median home value is $605,000.
Is Valley Stream, NY affordable?
No, Valley Stream is more expensive than the national average with a cost index of 172. The rent-to-income ratio is 18.8%—below the 30%% threshold considered affordable by HUD.
What is the average rent in Valley Stream, NY?
The median gross rent in Valley Stream, NY is $1,994 per month according to the US Census Bureau ACS 2023 data. Annual rent costs approximately $23,928.
What is the median household income in Valley Stream?
The median household income in Valley Stream, NY is $127,426 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%.