Cost of Living in Montauk
Montauk pairs genuinely high, comparatively consistent housing costs with New York's single most expensive homeowners-insurance ZIP code, New York State's graduated income tax with no local layer, and the East End's real Peconic Bay CPF transfer tax.
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Learn moreHousing costs run genuinely high, with comparatively consistent figures across sources
Montauk's median sold price ran approximately $1.935 million (February 2026), closely consistent with Zillow's own typical value of $1,911,382 (up 12.0% year-over-year) -- a real, comparatively consistent figure relative to the wider list-vs-sold spreads documented in several other Hamptons markets.
New York's single most expensive insurance ZIP code, a direct consequence of Montauk's exposure
Montauk's own ZIP code (11930) averages approximately $3,332/year in homeowners insurance -- more than double New York's statewide average -- a direct, quantified consequence of Montauk's uniquely exposed easternmost coastal position.
New York State's graduated income tax applies, with NO separate local income tax
New York State's 2026 income tax runs 9 brackets, 4.0%-10.9%, with no separate local income tax -- Montauk, being unincorporated, has no separate municipal government that could levy one in any case.
The Peconic Bay CPF transfer tax applies via the Town of East Hampton
Buyers face a real, buyer-paid 2.5% combined Peconic Bay CPF transfer tax (allowances of $400,000 improved / $100,000 unimproved, with NO allowance above $2 million), applicable to Montauk via the Town of East Hampton.
Key takeaways
- Montauk's housing figures run genuinely consistent across sources: ~$1.9-1.94 million typical/median value.
- Montauk's own ZIP code is New York's single most expensive for homeowners insurance (~$3,332/year).
- New York State's graduated 4.0%-10.9% income tax applies with no separate local income tax.
- The Peconic Bay CPF transfer tax (2.5% combined) applies via the Town of East Hampton.
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