Study: Hudson Valley Residents Dealing with ‘Shocking’ Cost of Living
A report claims that virtually all income levels across the Hudson Valley are struggling to save money.
On Monday, Reclaim New York released a new study which points out that many Hudson Valley residents are continuing to struggle due to one of the highest cost of living in the nation.
Reclaim's Hudson Valley Affordability Crisis report indicated that almost all residents in Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland and Westchester Counties are finding it hard to save for the future or find financial stability.
"From the nickel-and-diming of the MTA tax, to property taxes that are more than four times the national average, people living in the Hudson Valley are barely above water after paying for the basics," Reclaim New York Executive Director Brandon Muir stated.
Reclaim calculated income, property, sales and excise taxes mixed with basic living expenses. The study also looked into many income levels.
"The affordability crisis impacts everything we do from deciding when to start a family, to growing a business, to buying a home, Muir said. “This new study helps people understand the problem in greater detail than ever before, empowering them to demand more efficient, more affordable government."
The study found that a family in Dutchess County only has 6 percent of the local median yearly income left for credit card debt or childcare. A family in Westchester County is also left with only around 6 percent.
The study also concluded that many income groups can’t afford to retire at the age of 65. In the cases studied, income taxes cost residents as much as 40 percent of their income, property taxes can cost as high as 25 percent, while transportation expenses are around 10 to 22 percent of income.