Households in the New York City metropolitan area saw transportation costs grow approximately 56 percent from 2012-13 to 2022-23, according a report recently released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
Transportation comprises 14 percent of household spending, making it the second largest expense for New Yorkers. The national average is 17 percent.
Transportation costs include vehicle purchases and leases, auto insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and other public and non-public transportation services.
“While transportation costs in the New York City metro area grew at a slower pace than in other major metro areas, it remains a substantial expense for many New Yorkers,” DiNapoli said. “City residents are fortunate to have a public transit system that operates around the clock to help keep some costs relatively low. City and state officials need to keep a close eye on transportation costs to ensure they remain affordable and help to offset higher costs of other household essentials.”
Last year, 43.8 percent of New York City households owned at least one vehicle compared to 91.6 percent nationally while 48 percent of New Yorkers relied on public transportation for work compared to less than 4 percent nationally.
From 2013 to 2023, the number of households using public transportation for work declined in every borough.