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City Report · NY

Ithaca

Pop. 32,814·77th most expensive in New York·Rental market data updated monthly for Ithaca, NY
Median rent (all units)
$1,947/mo
Year-over-Year
-1.4%
Month-over-Month
-1.1%
vs US Median
-$18
Falling (Monthly)
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Most AffordableMost Expensive
Ithaca · $1,947
More expensive than 56% of US cities · National median $1,965/mo
Rent Reality Score
60/100
Good value
OverheatedFairGreat value

Rents are 5% below what Ithaca's 10-year trend predicts — a better deal than its own history suggests.

Actual rent
$1,947/mo
Expected by trend
$2,046/mo
The Rent Reality Score compares today's median rent to where Ithaca's own long-run trajectory projects it should be. See the full rankings →
Medians by bedroom

Rent by unit size

Studio
$1,380
1 BR
$1,560
2 BR
$1,780
3 BR
$2,140
4 BR+
$2,460
Research median
$1,780/mo

Bedroom estimates are gross rents that include essential utilities (electricity, water, gas, sewer, trash).

Rent trends

12-month history

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Last updated: July 20, 2026

Annual cost
$23,364/yr
At $1,947/mo median
Rent Market Meter
Renter's Market
Renter's MarketBalancedLandlord's Market
Rents are softening (down 1.4% YoY), so renters have negotiating leverage.
Based on rent-price momentum (-1.4% YoY, -1.1% MoM), not inventory.
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Demographics

Who lives here

Ithaca, NY is majority renter-occupied, skews toward younger working-age adults, has a median income below the national average, 67.7% of residents hold a bachelor's degree or higher.

Population
32,814
Median income
$48,784
Median age
23.3
Renters
70.4%
Age distribution
59.6%
16.3%
Under 187.1%
18–3459.6%
35–5416.3%
55–647%
65+10.1%
Gender
50.4%
49.6%
Male50.4%
Female49.6%
Race & ethnicity
64.6%
16.6%
White64.6%
Black6.4%
Hispanic8.8%
Asian16.6%
Other3.6%
Education (25+)
17.4%
67.7%
No HS diploma5.5%
HS diploma9.5%
Some college17.4%
Bachelor's+67.7%
Housing tenure
29.6%
70.4%
Owner29.6%
Renter70.4%

Source: U.S. Census Bureau · ACS 2024 5-Year Estimates

2022 vs 2026

How Ithaca, NY has changed in 5 years

Rent
$1,698 → $1,947
up 14.7%
Income
$40,973 → $48,784
up 19.1%
Population
31,819 → 32,814
up 3.1%
Renter share
73.6% → 70.4%
-3.2 pts
Bachelor's+
69.2% → 67.7%
-1.5 pts
Median age
22.3 → 23.3
+1.0 yrs

The median rent in Ithaca, NY stood at $1,698 in 2022 and currently runs about $1,947, reflecting a 14.7% increase over the period. On the earnings side, the typical household in Ithaca, NY now reports about $48,784, up from $40,973 in 2021. On paper, paychecks moved up faster than rent, which softens the affordability squeeze versus the 2021 baseline. The population has grown by 3.1% since 2021, moving from about 31,819 residents to roughly 32,814. Renters now make up 70.4% of households, compared with 73.6% five years ago. For context, the 2022 to 2026 window covers an unusually volatile run for US rents nationally, and Ithaca, NY reflects that arc in its own way.

Community

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View Ithaca rent history (2015–2026) →
Salary vs rent

Can you afford rent in Ithaca on your salary?

At $1,947/mo, how Ithaca rent compares to typical pay (30% rule).

By apartment size

Ithaca rent by bedroom count

Median rent for each apartment size in Ithaca. Click any size for full breakdown.

Local insights

Tips for renters in Ithaca

About renting in Ithaca, NY

Last updated: July 20, 2026

The median rent in Ithaca is $1,947/mo as of July 2026. A studio apartment averages $1,380/mo while a 2-bedroom runs $1,780/mo. One-bedroom apartments average $1,560/mo and 3-bedroom units go for $2,140/mo.

At 48% of local median household income ($48,784/yr), Ithaca ranks as moderate compared to the national benchmark of 30%. Rents have decreased 1.4% over the past year.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is Ithaca an affordable city for renters?

Ithaca is considered stretched for renters. At $1,947/mo, rent takes approximately 48% of the local median household income ($48,784/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%. Ithaca significantly exceeds that threshold, making it challenging for many renters.

How much income do you need to rent in Ithaca?

To keep rent at or below 30% of gross income, you would need to earn at least $78,000/year (~$38/hour full-time) to afford the median rent of $1,947/mo in Ithaca. The local median household income is $48,784/yr, meaning the typical Ithaca household falls short of that threshold.

Is rent going up or down in Ithaca?

Rent in Ithaca has decreased 1.4% over the past year as of July 2026, offering some relief compared to 12 months ago.

How does Ithaca rent compare to other cities in New York?

Ithaca is middle-of-the-pack for New York for rent, ranking #77 out of 126 tracked cities at $1,947/mo.

Which nearby cities are cheaper to rent in than Ithaca?

Several nearby cities have lower median rents than Ithaca ($1,947/mo): Elmira ($1,158/mo), Johnson City ($1,222/mo), Endicott ($1,267/mo).

What percentage of Ithaca residents rent vs. own?

According to Census data, approximately 70.4% of Ithaca households are renters, while 29.6% are owner-occupied. With a majority renter population, Ithaca has a strong rental market.

How does Ithaca rent compare to the national average?

Ithaca's median rent of $1,947/mo is $18 (1%) below the US national median of $1,965/mo. Within New York, it ranks #77 out of 126 tracked cities.
Income Affordability
48%
STRETCHED

At $1,947/mo, rent takes ~48% of Ithaca's median household income ($48,784/yr). The standard benchmark is 30%.

Ithaca 48%Benchmark 30%
State income tax4–10.9%
Run the Ithaca affordability calculator →
Lowest-rent ZIP codes in Ithaca
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Neighborhoods

Estimated from ZIP-level data

Schools nearby

Public schools near Ithaca, NY

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