How Much Life Insurance Do I Need in New York?
Calculate your life insurance needs based on your income, debts, family situation, and state-specific costs like college tuition and cost of living.
Until retirement or youngest child is grown
Debts to Pay Off
Existing Coverage
Usually 1-2x salary
New York Factors
- Cost of living:8% above average
- 4-year college cost:$40,000
- Has estate tax:Yes
Calculate your coverage needs
Select your state and enter your annual income to get a personalized life insurance recommendation.
This calculator provides estimates for educational purposes only. Actual insurance needs depend on many factors. Consult a licensed insurance professional for personalized advice. Cost of living data from Bureau of Economic Analysis (2023). College cost estimates from College Board (2024-2025).
Frequently Asked Questions
New York has a higher cost of living than the national average. A general guideline is 10-12 times your annual income, adjusted for New York's costs. Our calculator provides a personalized recommendation based on your income, debts, dependents, and existing coverage.
The average annual cost of attending a public 4-year university in New York is approximately $10,000 (including tuition, fees, room, and board). A full 4-year degree costs around $40,000. If you plan to fund your children's education, this should be included in your coverage calculation.
Yes, New York has a state estate tax. Estates exceeding $7,160,000 are subject to tax at rates up to 16%. Life insurance proceeds can provide liquidity to pay estate taxes without selling assets.
New York's cost of living index is 1.08 (where 1.0 is the national average). This means your family would need about 8% more than the national average to maintain the same standard of living. Our calculator adjusts income replacement accordingly.
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