Jamestown's 2026 cost of living is $2317 per month for singles and $5102 per month for families of four.
Living costs in Jamestown are 6% lower than the U.S. national average and 124% lower than New York's state average.
This reflects a 2% increase from 2025.
The primary drivers of Jamestown's cost of living are soaring housing costs, elevated transportation expenses, and rising food prices.
See how Jamestown's cost of living affects your budget or salary needs with Salary.com's free Cost of Living Calculator.
Cost of Living Calculator
How does Jamestown's cost of living compare to the national average in 2026?
Living in Jamestown is less expensive than the national average,
with housing costs 35.4 % lower at $775
per month for a single person and $1422 per month for a family of four.
Food expenses run 23.0 %
below average at $308
monthly for an individual and $1001 for a family,
while energy, transportation and healthcare costs are 14.7 % lower at about $746 per month
for one person and $1642 for a household.
These costs bring the total monthly expenses to $1829
for a single person and $4065 for a family of four,
making Jamestown one of America's least expensive cities.
How does the cost of living compare when moving from other major cities to Jamestown?
Jamestown's 2025 cost of living is 102% lower than San Francisco,
53% less than Washington, 25% below Miami
, 20% lower than Chicago, 64% less than Boston
, and 87% below New York.
Essential for evaluating relocation costs and salary needs in Jamestown.
Jamestown is a city in southern Chautauqua County, New York, United States. The population was 31,146 at the 2010 census and was estimated at 29,591 in 2017. Situated between Lake Erie to the northwest and the Allegheny National Forest to the south, Jamestown is the largest population center in the county. Nearby Chautauqua Lake is a freshwater resource used by fishermen, boaters and naturalists.
Notable people from Jamestown include comedian Lucille Ball, U.S. Supreme Court justice and Nuremberg chief prosecutor Robert H. Jackson, naturalist Roger Tory Peterson, singer Natalie Merchant, and N...
Source: Wikipedia (as of 04/11/2019). Read more from Wikipedia
Comments about the cost of living in Jamestown, NY
What stores are known for lower grocery prices?
Stores like Walmart Neighborhood Market are known to offer low prices. Shopping there can considerably reduce cost of living, as the prices in grocery stores can vary a lot. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there good recreational opportunities in or near Jamestown, NY?
Jamestown, NY does not have a major sports team, but don’t worry, check out local colleges and high school sports schedules. These games usually have very cheap tickets and the spirit and enthusiasm of the crowd often makes up for the level of skill. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I am nervous about moving, what is the typical cost of moving to another city and what should I have to think about?
Even if you are moving within your current state, the cost of moving could be over $1,000 depending on the city, what you are moving, and how much professional help you hire. You can save some expense by packing boxes yourself, renting a U-Haul truck, and asking friends and family to help with the loading and unloading. You should call at least three moving companies for a moving estimate, the cost might be less than you think and you won’t have to worry about a friend hurting their back trying to move your heavy furniture. Another way to make your move easier – and save money – is by weeding out items you don’t need anymore. Why bother to move stuff that you do not even use! Have a yard sale or find a local charitable organization and donate items you no longer use. Make sure you include these moving costs into the overall cost of living for year one in Jamestown, NY. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there any tips that will help make the move to Jamestown, New York easier for my child?
Adults find that moving can sometimes be an emotional and stressful experience. Children, who don’t have the maturity, independence, and understanding of a parent may be even more sensitive to a move. If they are old enough to understand, include the children in making plans for the move. When moving to a distant place, help your children learn about the new area. Check out the website for Jamestown, New York to find opportunities and activities in the new location like parks, beaches, museums, or playgrounds that kids will enjoy and look forward to visiting. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I need to understand how to budget for energy, is the cost electricity going up or down in Jamestown, New York?
The cost of electricity in New York has gone up by 2.878% in the past year. It is possible that electric rates may fluctuate depending on consumption rates, government regulations and even the weather. (2026-07-27salary.com)
I have a child, how much will child care cost per month in Jamestown, New York ?
The estimated average annual cost for child care in Jamestown, New York (based on state average), is $14144. This cost is ranked NO. 4 nationally. Some employers have company provided day care centers that let you bring your child to work with you and receive care on site. Some colleges and universities with Childhood Education programs also may have day care centers available at reduced costs, so you should explore those possibilities to see if you can reduce your child care expense. (2026-07-27salary.com)
How do rental housing prices in Jamestown,New York impact the overall cost of living?
I am single and live in Jamestown,NY, I rent a small 1 bedroom and the monthly rent is $367 . Rent contributes to a large part of the overall cost of living in Jamestown,NY, I try to economize by having a small apartment. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Are there fun things to in Jamestown, New York that are free or don’t cost a lot?
Looks for areas of Jamestown, New York where there is a large student population. In those areas you will be sure to find lots of free or cheap events to go to and plenty of cheap places to eat. Familiarize yourself with the places where students hang out, and take advantage of discounted or bargain prices, you are sure to be able to keep your cost of living reasonable. Look at the website for Jamestown, NY to find recommendations for activities that are available and unique to the area. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Will I have to pay a lot in taxes if I move to Jamestown, New York?
The sales tax for Jamestown is 4%. This is the tax that you will pay on things that you buy. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Can you save money using public transport?
You could save up to $1,000 per year, depending on your location, by using public transport instead of driving. Not only will you reduce the stress of driving and finding a place to park once you reach your destination, your car and tires will last longer, and you will spend less on gas. A side benefit is that you may be able to relax, work, or read on the way to work, or get to know and chat with other commuters. Some employers offer employees reduced fee bus or transit passes, so check that out with your employer. (2026-07-27salary.com)
Cost of Living Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Cost of Living index and how is it used?
In the simplest terms, a Cost of Living index is the estimated amount that represents the cost of the basic necessities required for an individual to live. A cost of living or COL estimate may typically include estimates for housing, food, energy, medical care, transportation, taxes, and other necessities. A COL index may be used to measure what the cost difference would be for a person living in a certain location compared to another location. This cost of living comparison helps individuals make decisions about where they would like to live and what they can afford based on the costs in that location. A cost of living comparison can provide guidance about how an increase or decrease in these basic living expenses impacts necessary spending for an individual or a family.
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What factors are included in estimating your cost of living?
The Salary.com cost of living calculator estimate is based on data related to five general categories: housing, food, healthcare, transportation, and energy. These are the universally recognized core components of any cost of living estimate and represent those expenses that apply to everyone. Obviously, there may be other factors that could contribute to your particular cost of living situation and not everyone has the same spending habits. For example, education and/or childcare costs might not apply to everyone, but for those who have those expenses, they could be significant and should be considered when you evaluate your cost of living comparison.
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The Salary.com cost of living calculator is unique in that it also incorporates current salary data for thousands of jobs specific to a chosen home or work location to provide a more refined estimate of the cost of living variations. You can see how your job and your salary will be impacted by a change of location. If you live in one location but work in another, the cost of living calculator will make those adjustments to provide an accurate estimate of the change in COL. The Salary.com cost of living calculator helps you to make cost of living comparisons cost comparisons easily and quickly.
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Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
Use our Salary Converter Tool, a user-friendly resource designed to see how much your salary will be if converted into hourly/weekly/biweekly/monthly/yearly pay. With just a few clicks, you can gain valuable insights into your earning potential, ensuring you make informed financial decisions.
