At $1,148/mo, rent takes about 32% of the local median household income, slightly above the 30% benchmark.
Rent by unit size
These are HUD Fair Market Rents, the payment standard for a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8). They often differ from the $1,148 market median above, and that is expected: FMR is the 40th percentile of standard-quality units and counts gross rent, so it includes essential utilities such as electricity, water, gas, sewer, and trash. The market median is asking rent, which usually excludes utilities. HUD sets FMR once a year; market rent here updates monthly.
Source: HUD Small Area Fair Market Rents. Read the methodology →
12-month history
Last updated: October 17, 2026
What the numbers show
30% of the median household income ($43,120) is $1,078 a month. That covers HUD's Fair Market Rent for up to a 2-bedroom ($1,005); a 3-bedroom is $1,120.
From Zillow's monthly rent index (ZORI) for Elmira. Income is the Census median household income (5-year estimates). Fair Market Rents are HUD’s, which include utilities.
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Who lives here
Elmira, NY is roughly split between renters and owners, has a median income below the national average, 18.1% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates
How Elmira, NY has changed in 5 years
Local incomes tracked alongside that move, going from a median of $41,675 in 2021 to $43,120 more recently. Census counts show Elmira, NY losing about 480 residents over the five-year window, down 1.8% on net.
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Can you afford rent in Elmira on your salary?
At $1,148/mo, how Elmira rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).
Elmira rent by bedroom count
Median rent for each apartment size in Elmira. Click any size for full breakdown.
Tips for renters in Elmira
Last updated: October 17, 2026
The median rent in Elmira is $1,148/mo as of October 2026. A studio apartment averages $817/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,005/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $711/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $1,120/mo.
At 32% of local median household income ($43,120/yr), Elmira ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rent prices have stayed steady over the past year.
Frequently asked questions
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Is rent going up or down in Elmira?
How does Elmira rent compare to other cities in New York?
Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Elmira?
At $1,148/mo, rent takes ~32% of Elmira's median household income ($43,120/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.
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Estimated from ZIP-level data
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