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It's not in your head. Long Island is one of the most expensive places to live in the country — and the gap between what things cost and what people earn keeps widening.
I'm Brianne Ledda, Newsday's affordability reporter. I've lived here my whole life, and every week I dig into the real numbers: rent, childcare, groceries, gas. I look at what it actually costs to stay here, and what, if anything, you can do about it.
That's Wallet Watch, our Thursday newsletter. Sign up for sharp, local reporting on the cost of living on Long Island, straight from a reporter who lives it too.
Have a question about your own expenses?
Email me at walletwatch@newsday.com. I read everything.
Previous editions of the newsletter are available below.
Plus: A reader asks why his National Grid bill is high when he's not using much natural gas
Plus: Tell us what you want to know and we might answer in a future newsletter.
Plus: A reader asks why the cost of living is so high
Plus: A reader asks for tips on how to save while buying a house
Plus: How are first-time home buyers coming up with down payments?
Plus: Can we say it's Halloween now?
Plus: A reader's suggestion for employee housing
Plus: How to save on gas
Plus: Prices are up. We can help with that.
Plus: A reader asks why rents are so high
Plus: How are you saving for a down payment?
Plus: What to do about traffic tickets
Plus: How much more does Long Island pay in taxes than it receives?
Plus: Reader thoughts on high food prices
Plus: Selling your LI home for a profit sounds great. Until you need another one.
Plus: A warning sign for Long Island's future
Plus: How to save on broker fees
Plus: The best ways to save on cooling and heating
Plus: How far $2,500 goes on the Long Island rental market
Plus: How NY auto insurance reforms could save LI drivers money
Plus: Why most taxpayers still pay extra to enter NY state parks.
Plus: Why LI car insurance is so brutal.
Why Long Island feels impossible to afford.
