Cost of Living in Staten Island: 2026 Complete Guide
Cost of Living in Staten Island: 2026 Complete Guide
How much does it really cost to live on Staten Island? Joseph Ranola breaks down housing costs, property taxes, utilities, commuting expenses, groceries, and more—so you can budget confidently before buying a home.
Staten Island is consistently ranked as New York City’s most affordable borough—but what does that actually mean in real numbers? Whether you’re relocating from Manhattan, Brooklyn, New Jersey, or out of state, this guide gives you the real cost of living on Staten Island in 2026 so you can plan your home purchase, budget your monthly expenses, and understand why more NYC families are making the move.
Housing Costs
Median Home Price: $620,000
Starter Homes: $350K–$500K
Family Homes: $550K–$850K
Luxury/Premium: $900K–$2M+
Monthly Mortgage (median): ~$3,400/mo
(based on 20% down, 6.5% rate, 30-year fixed)
Average Rent (2BR): $1,800–$2,200/mo
Average Rent (3BR): $2,200–$2,800/mo
Comparison: Manhattan median is $1.1M+. Brooklyn median is $850K+. Staten Island delivers 30–45% more home for your money.
Property Taxes
Average Annual Property Tax: $4,500–$8,000 (varies by assessed value and exemptions)
STAR Exemption: Saves $800–$1,200/year for primary residence owners
Enhanced STAR (65+): Saves $1,400–$2,000+/year for seniors
Monthly Escrow Impact: $375–$670/month added to mortgage payment
Staten Island property taxes are assessed on a fraction of market value, so the effective rate is lower than it appears. Joseph Ranola can help you understand your specific tax situation and whether you qualify for a property tax grievance to reduce your bill.
Commuting Costs
Public Transit
Staten Island Ferry: FREE
Express Bus: $6.75/ride ($270/mo)
SIR + Subway: $2.90/ride ($116/mo)
MetroCard Unlimited: $132/mo
Driving
Verrazzano Toll: $6.55/trip (E-ZPass)
Monthly Toll Cost: ~$130–$280/mo
Gas: ~$150–$250/mo
Car Insurance: $150–$250/mo
Tip: Many Staten Islanders own cars (unlike most NYC boroughs), so factor in insurance and parking. But the free ferry and lower housing costs more than offset transportation expenses.
Utilities & Monthly Bills
Electric (Con Edison): $120–$200/mo
Gas (National Grid): $80–$180/mo (varies by season)
Water/Sewer: $80–$120/mo
Internet: $50–$80/mo (Optimum, Verizon FiOS)
Cell Phone: $50–$100/mo
Total Estimated Utilities: $380–$680/mo for a typical single-family home
Groceries & Dining
Monthly Groceries (family of 4): $800–$1,200
Dining Out (per person): $15–$35 average
Major Grocery Stores: ShopRite, Stop & Shop, Trader Joe’s, ALDI, Costco (nearby NJ)
Food costs on Staten Island are slightly lower than Brooklyn and significantly lower than Manhattan, with more big-box store access and larger stores with better pricing.
Monthly Budget Snapshot: Family of 4
Mortgage (median home): $3,400
Property Taxes (escrow): $550
Utilities: $500
Commuting: $350
Groceries: $1,000
Insurance (home + auto): $400
Estimated Monthly Total: ~$6,200
Comparable Brooklyn lifestyle: ~$8,500–$9,500/mo | Manhattan: $12,000+/mo
Plan Your Move with Joseph Ranola
Understanding the full cost of living is the first step to buying smart. Joseph Ranola helps families and individuals calculate their true monthly costs, find neighborhoods that match their budget, and negotiate the best possible price on their Staten Island or Brooklyn home. Use his free calculators to start planning today.
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