Long Island's cost of living crisis: Complete coverage

Updated June 30, 2024

Long Island has become nearly unaffordable for large swaths of the middle class that “Levittowns” were supposed to service, not to mention those living under or close to the poverty line. Thousands of families struggle to get by, figuring out each week how they will pay the rent or mortgage, buy food, cover health care costs, get clothes and put gas in the car. Newsday interviewed scores of experts and Long Island families to understand why the region is so expensive and what can be done. Read the complete series here and check back each day for more coverage.

Some LI workers are living in their cars due to high cost of living

A Long Island hairstylist called her car home after her rent became unaffordable.

1 out of 5 LIers living below the poverty line, unable to get ahead

Long Island has become nearly unaffordable for large swaths of the middle class, not to mention those living under or close to the "structural" poverty line and unable to afford basic essentials.

'I didn't expect it to be like this': Rising taxes on LI are making homeownership unaffordable for many

Residents complain about them, work extra jobs to pay them, file grievances to lower them — but real solutions are elusive.

Hourslong bus commutes. Nearly $500 for tickets. LIers without cars struggle with inconveniences and costs

Not having access to a car in the suburbs also hinders growth and opportunity, residents say.

Stretching $39,520 to cover rent, bills and food for three kids: How a single mom makes it work

Rochelle John has thought about leaving Long Island, but, she says, "To go to another state that I don't know anything about, where I don't know people, that's another hard thing."

3 kids, 1 bedroom: High rent means squeezing into too-small units for many in tight market

"There's so many people who have been renting for years and now find themselves in a position where they can't afford to find a place, or there just are no places within their budget," said Michael Daly, an East End realtor.

More LIers struggle to put food on the table, while many don't qualify for food stamps

Food banks report increased demand. Applications for government assistance are up, yet a family of four would need to make $30,000 or less to qualify.

Day care costs more than a year of state college. What help is available?

Child care would cost close to $4,000 a month for Long Island mom Ashley Renaud's three kids without financial help from state and federal funding.

'Everyone was overbidding': Why are LI homes so expensive?

Low inventory, high interest rates, lack of new construction put homeownership out of reach for many.

Bank fees, high rates take biggest toll on low-income LIers

Minimum balance requirements, overdraft fees, other charges create more headaches for those already struggling.

'The cost of living here is ridiculous': LIers grapple with rising utility rates

The past two years have seen soaring numbers of gas and electric customers late in paying their bills. The state has stepped in with relief programs, but experts say arrears could begin to rise again.

'We're in danger of losing our middle class': Solutions to LI's affordability crisis

Imagine a Long Island where housing, taxes, transportation and child care were more affordable. It's not easy to do, but planners and experts say they're finding ways to chip away at these issues.

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