Cost of Renting in Poughkeepsie, New York
Rental market data powered by HUD Fair Market Rents and Census ACS.
Rent Overview
Median Monthly Rent
$1,291
Median Household Income
$53,875
Population
31,717
Affordability
Poughkeepsie: 38.0% rent burden, above the 30% affordability threshold.
Rent Burden
38.0%
% of household income spent on rent
Vacancy Rate
6.5%
Renter-Occupied
62.6%
% of housing units
How Poughkeepsie Compares
Poughkeepsie vs New York avg vs National avg
Median Rent
$1,291
Median Income
$53,875
Rent Burden
38.0%
Renting in Poughkeepsie
The median rent in Poughkeepsie, New York is typically $1,291 per month, while the median household income is approximately $53,875. This means the typical renter spends approximately 38.0% of their income on rent. (Source: Census ACS)
Housing experts generally consider rent affordable when it accounts for no more than 30% of gross income. At 38.0% rent burden, Poughkeepsie is significantly cost-burdened. Renters earning less than the median income may face higher housing cost pressure. (Source: HUD affordability guidelines)
Poughkeepsie has a population of approximately 31,717 with a rental vacancy rate of 6.5%, suggesting a moderate rental market. (Source: Census ACS)
HUD Fair Market Rents
Official HUD Fair Market Rent for the area. Used to set Section 8 voucher amounts.
| Bedrooms | Fair Market Rent |
|---|---|
| Studio | N/A |
| 1 Bedroom | N/A |
| 2 Bedroom | N/A |
| 3 Bedroom | N/A |
| 4 Bedroom | N/A |
Rent by Bedroom
Detailed bedroom-level rent data for Poughkeepsie is not available in the current HUD release.
Can You Afford Poughkeepsie?
of income
Generally Affordable
The median rent in Poughkeepsie is typically $1,291/month. The typical household earns $53,875/year, spending approximately 28.8% of income on rent.
Based on the 30% rule, you would generally need at least $51,640/year to afford the median rent without being cost-burdened.
Based on the median rent of $1,291, you would typically need an annual gross income of at least $51,640 to keep rent at or below 30% of your income. (Source: Census ACS)
How Poughkeepsie Compares
Rent in Poughkeepsie is 7% lower than the New York average of approximately $1,388. (Source: Census ACS) Compared to the national average, rent in Poughkeepsie is 5% lower than the national median of approximately $1,365. Keep in mind that income levels also vary by location, so raw rent comparisons may not fully reflect relative affordability. (Source: Census ACS)
Other Cities in New York
Cost of Living Context
Rent is typically the largest single expense for most households, generally accounting for 30-40% of total living expenses. Other significant costs include transportation, food, healthcare, and taxes, which vary considerably by location. A city with lower rent but higher transportation costs may not be more affordable overall. Consider using our cost of living calculator to compare total expenses between cities.
What This Data Does Not Cover
This data reflects area-wide statistics and may not represent specific neighborhoods, buildings, or lease terms. Median rent captures the midpoint of the market: approximately half of rentals are above this price and half below. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually and represent the 40th percentile of rents in the area, so they may lag current market conditions in rapidly changing markets. Actual rents vary significantly by neighborhood, building age, amenities, and lease terms. We present this data for informational purposes to help with research, not as a guarantee of what you will pay.
Affordable rentals in Poughkeepsie
We track 22 income-restricted apartment buildings in Poughkeepsie, including LIHTC, Section 8, Section 202, and Section 811 properties. Residential electricity in New York averages 26.97¢/kWh, with a typical monthly bill of $159 to add on top of rent.
Data Sources
**Data Sources:** - U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates - U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents
Data is updated periodically. Census ACS data reflects 5-year estimates. HUD Fair Market Rents are updated annually. BLS rent CPI is updated monthly.
StayRentals is not a real estate agent, landlord, or property manager. This content is for educational and informational purposes only. Rent estimates are based on government data and may not reflect current market conditions. Housing laws vary by state and municipality. Consult a local tenant rights organization or attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Sources: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Fair Market Rents, U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS) 5-Year Estimates, Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Consumer Price Index.
Data vintage: HUD FMR FY 2025, Census ACS 2019–2023 5-Year Estimates, BLS CPI updated monthly. Government data may lag 1–2 years behind current market conditions.