New York is home to 20 million people, and 43% of them live in one city. That shapes almost everything about the state: New York City has its own income tax, one of the highest sales tax rates in the country and a housing market dominated by renters, while upstate cities such as Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse cost far less. This guide collects the numbers and rules that matter if you live in New York or plan to move there.
New York guides
New York taxes
State income tax up to 10.9%, New York City’s own income tax, an 8.875% sales tax in the city and an estate tax. Read the tax guide.
Moving to New York
Exchange your license and register your car within 30 days. See the step-by-step guide.
New York paycheck calculator
Estimate take-home pay after federal, state and, if you enter it, city income tax. Open the calculator.
What is different about New York
Two income taxes in New York City
The state taxes income at rates from 3.9% to 10.9%. Residents of New York City pay a second, city income tax of 3.078% to 3.876%, and Yonkers residents pay a surcharge on their state tax. On a $75,000 salary, a single filer owes about $3,450 in state tax and about $2,470 more if they live in the city. Details are in our New York tax guide.
A state of renters
Only 54.3% of homes in New York are owner-occupied, compared with 65.2% nationally, because most New York City households rent. Many city apartments are rent-stabilized, which limits yearly rent increases for existing tenants.
New York City and everywhere else
The city has 8.6 million residents; Buffalo, the second-largest city, has about 275,000. Housing costs, taxes and car ownership differ sharply between the city and the rest of the state, so statewide averages describe neither very well.
Annual car inspections
Most vehicles registered in New York need a safety and emissions inspection every 12 months at a licensed inspection station.
An estate tax with a cliff
New York taxes estates above $7.35 million in 2026. If an estate is worth more than 105% of that amount, the exemption disappears entirely and the whole estate is taxed.
No-fault car insurance
Every New York policy must include $50,000 of no-fault coverage, which pays medical bills and lost wages after a crash regardless of who caused it.
New York at a glance
| Measure | New York | United States |
|---|---|---|
| Population, July 1, 2025 | 20,002,427 | 341,784,857 |
| Population change, 2020–2025 | −1.0% | +3.1% |
| Median household income | $85,974 | $80,734 |
| Median home value | $423,800 | $332,700 |
| Median gross rent | $1,621 | $1,413 |
| Homeownership rate | 54.3% | 65.2% |
| Poverty rate | 14.0% | 10.6% |
| Bachelor’s degree or higher (age 25+) | 40.2% | 35.7% |
| Born outside the U.S. | 22.8% | 14.1% |
| Land area | 47,124 sq mi | 3,533,038 sq mi |
| People per square mile (2020) | 428.7 | 93.8 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts. Income, home value, rent, homeownership, education and place of birth are 2020–2024 American Community Survey estimates; income is in 2024 dollars.
Largest cities
| City | Population (July 2025) |
|---|---|
| New York City | 8,584,629 |
| Buffalo | 274,613 |
| Yonkers | 212,603 |
| Rochester | 206,108 |
| Syracuse | 144,896 |
| Albany (state capital) | 101,698 |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, Vintage 2025 population estimates, via City Population. Figures are for city limits, not metro areas.
Frequently asked questions
What is New York’s income tax rate?
State rates run from 3.9% to 10.9% in 2026. New York City residents also pay 3.078% to 3.876% in city income tax.
Do I pay New York City tax if I work in the city but live elsewhere?
No. The city income tax applies to city residents. Commuters from New Jersey, Connecticut or the suburbs pay New York State tax on wages earned in New York, but not city tax.
Is New York losing population?
The Census Bureau estimates the state’s population was 1.0% lower in July 2025 than in April 2020.
What do I need to do after moving to New York?
Get a New York driver license and register your vehicle within 30 days. Our New York moving guide has every step.
Last updated: November 5, 2026.
Sources
- U.S. Census Bureau: QuickFacts, New York
- City Population: New York cities (U.S. Census Bureau estimates)
- Tax Foundation: New York tax data
- Tax Foundation: State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets, 2026
- New York State Department of Taxation and Finance: Estate tax
- New York DMV: Inspection requirements
- New York Department of Financial Services: Required auto insurance