Cost of living: Westchester vs Fairfield (Rye, Monroe: sales, real estate, to rent)

[Bluderby]

Hi. We are thinking of moving to Fairfield or Westchester. We are going to rent and have no kids. In general, when you add up sales tax, income tax, car insurance, etc. is one county cheaper than the other?

[elinyc]

Originally Posted by Bluderby

Hi. We are thinking of moving to Fairfield or Westchester. We are going to rent and have no kids. In general, when you add up sales tax, income tax, car insurance, etc. is one county cheaper than the other?

We are in a similar boat as you. Where in Fairfield county have you been looking? As far as housing costs, from what I've seen, Westchester is probably cheaper than Greenwich/New Canaan/Darien, but is more costly than Fairfield/Trumbull. It seems to be on par with Westport, from what I can see.

[alsier2004]

Westchester is a huge county and prices vary drastically depending on where you live. Northern Westchester is quite a hike from lower Westchester. Places like Scarsdale, Rye, Bronxville, Larchmont, Purchase have some of the most expensive real estate in the country- with very little land. The further you go from the city- costs go down. Yes- Darien, New Canaan are expensive, but you get more for your money- but you are much farther from the city. Overall, everything in lower Westchester is more expensive than in Fairfield- except for possibly Greenwich. But-I am sure everything in lower Fairfield (Greenwich, Stamford) is far more expensive than in Northern Fairfield (Monroe, Newtown, Danbury, etc). As far as rents- prices will basically be dependent on how close you want to be to the city and the school district. When you go to buy- Fairfield wins hands down- due to taxes.