Average Rent in Ithaca, NY↑ Rents rising 2.3% YoY🔺 6th priciest in NY

Ithaca, NY has rental prices ranging from $1,320/month to $2,353/month in 2025, depending on unit size. The typical 1-bedroom apartment rents for $1,489/month — 6% above the national average of $1,400/month. With a median household income of $73,012/year, spending $1,489/month on a 1-bedroom represents 24% of gross income — within the recommended 30% threshold.

How Ithaca Compares

With an average 2-bedroom rent of $1,702/month, Ithaca ranks #6 most expensive of the 41 cities tracked in New York — pricier than 95% of all US cities in our data.

The Ithaca Rental Market

The Ithaca, NY area has a population of about 102,879 and 46% of households renting rather than owning. That renter share runs above the US average of ~34%, pointing to a competitive rental market where vacancies clear quickly and rents are less negotiable.

Rent Trends

2-bedroom rents in Ithaca, NY have risen by $38/month (2.3%) over the past year, from $1,664 to $1,702. This modest growth is consistent with broader inflationary trends seen across US rental markets.

Affordability

To afford a 1-bedroom apartment in Ithaca, NY without exceeding the 30% housing cost guideline, a renter needs an annual income of approximately $59,560. The local median household income of $73,012 exceeds that threshold by $13,452, making Ithaca relatively accessible compared to local wages.

Neighborhoods

Home values — and by extension rent levels — vary significantly across Ithaca's neighborhoods. Among the highest-value areas are East Ithaca ($375,593 median home value), South Hill ($388,215 median home value), Northwest Ithaca ($414,322 median home value). Rental prices typically follow home value patterns, with premium neighborhoods commanding higher rents than outer areas. Renters on a tighter budget may find better value in less central neighborhoods or in adjacent metros with lower overall rent levels.

Is Ithaca, NY Affordable?

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

Rent or Buy in Ithaca?

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

Living in Ithaca

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