RentData

Average Rent in Cayuga County, NY↓ Rents falling 4.4% YoY

HUD FY2027 · Official government data · Updated annually · Metro pop. 75,464

Data review: HUD FY2027Sources: HUD, Zillow, Census, BLSMethodologyEditorial standardsReport a correction

Market Overview

Cayuga County, NY has rental prices ranging from $872/month to $1,637/month in 2027, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $877/month — 37% below the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $66,583/year, spending $877/month on a 1-bedroom represents 16% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Cayuga County Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,074/month, Cayuga County ranks #31 most expensive of the 43 cities tracked in New York — pricier than 60% of all US cities in our data.

The Cayuga County Rental Market

The Cayuga County, NY area has a population of about 75,464 and 28% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs below the US average of ~34%, a more homeowner-heavy market where rental inventory can be limited.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Cayuga County, NY have fallen by $50/month (4.4%) over the past year, from $1,124 to $1,074. This slight decline is consistent with broader market corrections seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Cayuga County, NY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $35,080. The local median household income of $66,583 exceeds that threshold by $31,503, making Cayuga County relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Economy & Jobs

Cayuga County, NY has an unemployment rate of 4.0%, 0.1 percentage points above the national average of 3.9%. A higher unemployment rate can moderate rental demand over time, which may help keep rent growth in check compared to tighter job markets.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Cayuga County's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are Fair Haven ($249,507 median home value), Melrose Park ($279,290 median home value). Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Fair Market Rents

HUD FY2027
Studio
$872
Affordable
1 Bedroom
$877
Affordable
2 Bedrooms
$1,074
↓4.4% YoY
Affordable
3 Bedrooms
$1,424
Affordable
4 Bedrooms
$1,637
Affordable
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Is Cayuga County, NY Affordable?

Income needed to rent or buy, price history, and how this city compares to nearby metros.

Affordability Index(30% income rule)

To rent a 2BR
$42,960/year
Local median income: $66,583
To buy a median home
—/year
US national median: $75,000
💡 Based on a 2BR rent of $1,074/month and 20% down on a — home at 7% rate.

Nearby Cities in NYlargest metros in the state

CityStudio1BR2BR3BRHome Value
Poughkeepsie$1,088$1,160$1,467$1,868—
Nassau$1,964$2,285$2,689$3,458—
New York$2,593$2,729$2,971$3,760—
Buffalo$1,178$1,203$1,423$1,732—
Rochester$1,005$1,131$1,416$1,706—
Albany$1,238$1,425$1,711$2,039—

Rent or Buy in Cayuga County?

Break-even analysis and mortgage estimates based on local market data.

Should I Rent or Buy?

Break-even analysis using real Cayuga County data

$
Home Value
$350,000
2BR Rent
$1,074/mo
Mortgage Rate
7%
Monthly P&I
$1,863/mo
🏠 Buy

Buying breaks even after 3 years — worth it if you stay 3+ years.

Total monthly buy cost: $2,577/movs rent: $1,074/mo
Estimates only. Excludes HOA, PMI (if <20% down), closing costs, and tax benefits. Assumes 5% return on invested down payment.

Living in Cayuga County

Cost of living, job market, crime rates, and moving cost estimates.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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🏘️Neighborhoods in Cayuga County

Compare rent & home prices by neighborhood

💵Rent Affordability in Cayuga County

Salary needed to afford rent here

🗺️All Cities in NY

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⚖️Compare Cayuga County

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📋NY Tenant Rights

Deposit limits, eviction laws & renters protections