General cost of living in Ithaca (Albany: apartment, rentals, homes)

[xz2y]

Just wondered if any locals in Ithaca could share their general costs of living. I can find the costs of rentals and homes on craigslist, but how about electricity, heating oil (or is it natural gas), gasoline, food, etc? Is central NY (Ithaca area) less expensive than other "upstate" areas (north and west of Albany)?

[ckhthankgod]

As far as I've seen, it seems to be on par with those parts of Upstate NY.

[ja1myn]

I believe my cousin lives in Ithaca now and pays $600 a month for a one bed, one bath apartment.