Cost of Living Comparison for Rochester, NY
Updated 2026 · Local data pre-filled
Rochester's cost of living index is 86 — 14% cheaper than the national average. This factors in housing, groceries, utilities, transportation, and healthcare. Use this calculator to see how your purchasing power would change if you moved to another city.
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How Rochester Compares to the National Average
Understanding how Rochester stacks up helps you calibrate your financial planning.
| Metric | Rochester, NY | US Average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $185,000 | $420,800 | -56.0% |
| Median Monthly Rent | $1,250 | $1,713 | -27.0% |
| Median Household Income | $56,200 | $74,580 | -24.6% |
| Property Tax Rate | 2.60% | 1.10% | +136.4% |
| Cost of Living Index | 86 | 100 | -14.0% |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, BLS, Zillow, NAR (2024–2025). Green = favorable for residents; red = less favorable.
Rochester Financial Snapshot
- Population (Metro)
- 1,090,000
- Unemployment
- 3.8%
- Avg Commute
- 21 min
- Median Age
- 37.5
- Price-to-Rent Ratio
- 12.3x
- Annual Property Tax
- $4,810
Cost of Living Comparison in Other New York Cities
Frequently Asked Questions — Rochester
What is the median home price in Rochester, NY?
The median home price in Rochester is $185,000 as of 2025–2026. This is below the national median of $420,800.
What is the average rent in Rochester?
Median monthly rent in Rochester is $1,250. That works out to $15,000/year, or 27% of the median household income — within the commonly recommended 30% of income guideline.
Is Rochester affordable?
Rochester's cost of living index is 86 vs. the national average of 100. With a median household income of $56,200/year and a median home price of $185,000, the price-to-income ratio is 3.3x. Rochester remains relatively affordable compared to many US metros.
What is the property tax rate in Rochester?
The effective property tax rate in Rochester is 2.60% of assessed value. On the median home of $185,000, that's roughly $4,810/year ($401/month).